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The Pros & Cons of Doing Divorce Mediation Online

Thinking of divorce mediation? You have probably heard divorce mediation is a more collaborative, less expensive, and quicker way to divorce, and that is true! Online divorce mediation makes it even more so, with a few caveats you must be aware of for divorce mediation online to be effective for you.

In this comprehensive article, the Philadelphia divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation and Divorce explain how virtual divorce mediation works.

If you are considering divorce mediation online or in person, call the experienced divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation. We help you determine whether divorce mediation is for you, and whether in-person or virtual divorce mediation would best resolve the issues arising from your divorce.

How Virtual Divorce Mediation Works

When you do divorce mediation online, you and your spouse meet with your divorce mediator virtually through one of the many available web platforms. Ideally, all three of you are able to both see and hear each other to conduct discussions and negotiations much as you would in person.

Just as with the in-person mediation process, when necessary or desired, your divorce mediator has the ability to virtually meet with each of you individually during a mediation session by “muting” the other party, then “unmuting” them when appropriate.

Advantages of Online Divorce Mediation

There are several clear advantages in engaging in divorce mediation online. Here are a few.

Easier Scheduling

You can schedule online divorce mediation sessions without regard to how long it takes to travel to the mediator’s office, what regular business hours are, and whether you can get child care. All you need is agreement between the three of you as to availability.

Location Flexibility

You can engage in online divorce mediation wherever you get a strong internet signal and have relative privacy. Obviously, it is not appropriate to discuss the issues arising from your divorce while sitting in your local coffee shop. However, if you do not have internet at home, you can find a location to access the internet privately, such as outside a government building or a library. Your local library may even have small rooms available to the public for this.

Easy Sharing of Documents

Regardless of whether you engage in divorce mediation online or in person, your divorce mediator requires information and documentation about marital finances and your current expenses. In virtual mediation, you scan these documents and send them to your divorce mediator, likely through a secure server to maintain confidentiality.

Drawbacks of Online Divorce Mediation

Before you engage in begin mediating online, be aware of the potential difficulties you may encounter that can impede or derail the process.

Technology Difficulties

Whatever platform your divorce mediator uses, you should be conversant with its features so when a problem occurs, you know how to deal with it. Also, you must have a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, or access to any of these, to use the platforms. If you must borrow a computer, for example, at a public library, that may not be private enough to engage in successful divorce mediation online.

Platforms for Online Divorce Mediation

Video Call Services

For those with private access to a strong and reliable internet connection, there are various video platforms available to conduct virtual meetings. For example, Zoom, Skype, and GoToMeeting are popular among divorce mediators.

Phone

In some cases, if you do not have a computer or a smartphone or a reliable internet connection, your divorce mediator may agree to conduct mediation sessions over a three-way phone call. Divorce mediators usually need to both see and hear their clients to determine how to help them collaborate on solutions arising from their divorce. However, in some cases phone conferences may be effective.

Talk with a Divorce Mediator at Peaceful Separation & Divorce

If you are considering an online divorce mediation service or in person, call the experienced divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation and Divorce to discuss your case. We have helped families through divorce for over forty years, and we can help you too.