Family mediation can help couples resolve issues such as child custody and property settlement. It can also improve communication between the parents and reduce conflict.
Some types of divorce don’t lend themselves to online mediation. This includes high-conflict marriages and cases involving domestic violence or complex business concerns. In these cases, it’s important to find a mediator who can accommodate your needs.
Benefits
The process of family mediation is a great way to resolve disputes without the stress of litigation. It allows you to make arrangements for children and finances, as well as explore different options for settlement. It can be completed in a few hours or over a few sessions. It is also less expensive than court proceedings.
The option of online family mediation is a good fit for couples who live far away from each other or have busy schedules with child arrangements. It can also help couples who struggle with power imbalances, as it provides a safe space in which to discuss issues.
It also offers a safer environment for those with disabilities or mental health conditions. The physical separation from potentially emotionally triggering individuals and the comfort of home can improve the emotional climate in sessions, which can lead to participants thinking more clearly, regulating their emotions, and making better decisions. It is also easier for parties to bring in experts who may need to be involved in the mediation.
Costs
Depending on where you choose to mediate, your cost may be significantly less than that of going to court. In addition, the mediation process is typically faster than a trial.
Generally, family mediators will hold an initial conference call with both parties or their lawyers to determine whether the case is suitable for mediation and to discuss the terms of the agreement. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and to clarify any issues that are unclear.
The number of sessions required for a successful outcome varies depending on the nature and complexity of your dispute. Typically, sessions are two to three hours long. The costs of mediation can be significantly lower than the cost of litigation, which can add up quickly when you consider all the fees associated with a trial.
Many government-funded family mediation services provide their services for free. You can find these services by using the Find Local Help search or by calling the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321. You can also contact a private Family Dispute Resolution practitioner through the Family Dispute Resolution Register.
Confidentiality
Online mediation is a safe and convenient way to discuss parenting arrangements or financial issues. It can help you work out agreements that are less stressful than a judge’s order. It also gives you more control over your family’s future.
However, if you’re considering using online family mediation, be aware that your session might be recorded. This is because all mobile phones have a built-in microphone, and even computers have them. It’s therefore important to use headphones and a quiet place for your online family mediation sessions. You should also check the mediator’s website for privacy policies, as this will provide you with more information about how your personal data is handled and stored. In addition, you should be reminded of the confidentiality rules at the start of the session. This will help to prevent any unauthorized disclosures of confidential discussions. Ideally, your mediator will have technology that aims to prevent recording and screenshotting during sessions.
Safety
With safe-at-home ordinances, court closures and increased stress levels, many family law cases are being processed via online mediation. This process can be a good option for families that want to avoid court but still resolve their conflict and reach a custody agreement. However, this process is not without its challenges.
One challenge of online mediation is that participants may become distracted by their surroundings or by incoming text messages, emails or other distractions. This can impact productive communications and negotiations.
Another challenge is the possibility of internet or video conferencing glitches. These problems can derail the mediation session and disrupt progress. It’s important to prepare for these issues in advance. A good strategy is to make sure you have plenty of bandwidth and a backup plan in case your internet connection goes down. In addition, try to get a good night’s sleep and remember that the outcome of your custody and parenting time isn’t based on what you want or need, but on what is best for the children.family mediation online