Can mediation be done online?
If you had asked me prior to the Pandemic, I would have told you that face-to-face mediation is best. However, online mediation (by video) can be a great option. It can help people reach agreement quickly. It can save people time and money, and can help people avoid Court. I outline some of the benefits of online mediation below.
1. You can mediate from your own home
People stuck in lockdown might think they can’t resolve their dispute or family law matter. But mediation can easily be moved online. All people involved, including lawyers, can join the mediation from wherever they are. You just need access to a device, and a reasonable internet connection. The mediator will schedule the meetings on a video platform such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
2. It can help people feel comfortable talking to the other party
In family law matters, many people don’t feel comfortable being in the same room as their ex-partner. People can feel intimidated by the idea of being face-to-face with the other party. They might think they won’t get a word in, or that they will give in too easily.
3. It can help people feel safe
For people who have experienced family violence, face-to-face mediation with their ex-partner might pose a safety risk.
In the above situations, one option is to hold a ‘shuttle mediation’. Here, the parties sit in separate rooms and communicate through the mediator. Online mediation is another option. Here the mediator can set up private meeting room for each party, and then move between these two rooms. This can be a safe option for people who have experienced family violence, or if people do not feel uncomfortable being near their ex-partner.
4. It is convenient (and can happen anywhere)
Online mediation can be really convenient. You can join a mediation from your home. This means you won’t have to travel to the mediation. This might open the door for mediation for people from regional, rural or remote area of Australia, where there may not be any accredited mediators living nearby.
How to book an online mediation:
You can contact me (Renee) to discuss booking an online mediation.
I talk more about family mediation in a blog post here. You can also read more about the family mediation process I offer on the website here.
You can find information from the Australian Government about family dispute resolution (family mediation) here.
