In these days of Covid we are all becoming experts in talking to each other online. Mediation is no exception and we and our clients have seen that mediation can continue effectively online. Online Mediation works better than you might think.
A list of pros and cons for online mediation
On the plus side, you are in your own home. You don’t have to travel across the town or county through traffic to find parking near an office you may not be familiar with.
Against this is the fact that you may think that you don’t get a proper sense of how the other person is feeling about any suggestions you make as you are not in the same room.
While it is true that mediating online takes some of the emotion out of the discussions, you can still ask questions of the mediator and each other to understand perspectives. You may be surprised at how similar online mediation is to mediation in person.
Mediation online is still totally confidential. We check out with you both that you are on your own, that doors are closed and you are not recording. We ask you to sign an agreement to mediate to this effect.
Some tips for online mediation
We ask that you:
- Make sure you will not be interrupted, distracted or overheard.
- Do not have anyone in the room with you unless agreed with everyone in advance.
- Ensure you have a reliable broadband connection. Check your microphone and camera are working on your device. Consider having a headphone available so you can hear well and that no one else in other rooms can hear discussions either.
- Check your lighting so your face is seen.
- Consider what you have in view of the camera in your room.
- The meeting will last about an hour and a half. We suggest you have a beverage available.
- It is helpful to have to hand copies of any documents you have provided for mediation in case you need to refer to them.
- Ask for a break if you need one.
How does online mediation work?
Apart from the fact that is done virtually through the internet, it works in the same way as mediations in person. Joint sessions are held where everyone can see and hear each other, and then private sessions which cannot be heard or seen by the other participants.
Although mediations can in theory be conducted by telephone, this is not recommended. Being able to see each other works much better.
What will I need for an online mediation?
Pretty much all you will need is a computer and a room to call in from which will allow you some quiet and privacy.
J& F uses Zoom which has unique meeting links and a secure password. You shouldn’t need to purchase any software to use it. We will set the meeting up.
Any questions or concerns you might have can be answered ahead of the day to make sure everything works as it should at the mediation meeting.