Pros and Cons of Online Mediation

 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Divorce

In 2020, the digital world experienced a major boom with the arrival of COVID-19. And while people have trickled back to the office since the pandemic faded, many continue to replace their physical presence with virtual attendance. Videoconferencing is used more than ever for work meetings, chats with friends and family, classes, and even mediation.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, which means it is a way to resolve disputes outside of court. Most divorcing couples reach settlements through mediation and are thereby spared time-consuming and expensive court battles.

This article will discuss the pros and cons of virtual mediation. Keep in mind that whether mediation is online or in person, having a Texas divorce mediation attorney present is a major advantage.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a private negotiation process. It is facilitated by a mediator, a neutral party who is trained in negotiation and certified to conduct mediation. The process may contain one or more sessions, with each usually lasting between two to four hours. 

During a mediation session, the mediator will meet with both parties together in a room. He or she will then place each party in a separate room and meet with each of them in turn, trying to work out a compromise. If the parties agree to a settlement, it becomes legally binding.

When mediation is conducted virtually, mediators often use online platforms specifically designed for the purpose. These make it easier for the mediator to speak to both parties together and rotate between them separately.

Pros of Virtual Mediation

Advantages of online mediation include:

• Costs may be lower if the mediator does not need to rent an office for the meeting.

• The parties can remain physically distant, which can be a help if one of the spouses was abusive toward the other during the marriage or if the relationship is toxic and hostile.

• There is no need for the parties to compromise on a location that is convenient for everyone.

• It is much easier to schedule mediation when you do not have to plan a commute.

• Inviting experts to help your case is much more convenient when the mediation is virtual. Your attorney can attend from the comfort of her own office, thereby also increasing her availability.

Cons of Virtual Mediation

However, there are some disadvantages of virtual mediation to consider:

• It is harder to read the body language of other participants in online mediation, which may deprive you of important cues.

• Technology glitches can be frustrating, and issues such as a weak WiFi signal can ruin a mediation session. Furthermore, if you are not technologically savvy, it may take you some time to learn how to navigate the online program.

• Virtual mediation can be more distracting than a meeting in a physical conference room. Kids, phone calls, and other disturbances can throw off your rhythm during a mediation session.

Contact a Denton County, TX Divorce Mediation Lawyer

You are not required to have an attorney present during mediation, but doing so is a great way to make sure your interests are well-represented. The attorneys at The Law Office of Linda Risinger excel at guiding our clients through the mediation process and we will make sure your interests are vigorously defended. Schedule a free consultation with a Frisco, TX divorce mediation attorney by calling 972-294-6533 today.