Following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, most organisations had to adapt to remote ways of working, and mediation was no exception. In what was always a traditional face-to -face medium, in person attendance was impossible through social distancing.
The on-line process has been widely adopted since but it is perhaps worthwhile considering what would work best for you. Most agree both remote and in-person can achieve equally good outcomes allowing the "good faith" element being shown by both parties.
The main advantages of online mediation is of course the flexibility it offers, no travel or logistical challenges, and relative ease of scheduling.
Some may feel it is a less stressful environment, without physically sharing a room with an estranged partner, and some have felt video conferencing helped mediation sessions, providing more control to the mediator, perhaps even facilitating better turn- taking.
They can be particularly successful where a party has not wanted to meet the other in person. The option to turn off your video camera or audio off, is an attractive feature for some. The mediator is in control of the process, but the parties in control of what they say and share.
Additionally, video conferencing might encourage some participants to listen more closely to speakers. There needs to be effective communication and listening in mediation.
There will always be those who prefer a more formal in- person introduction to mediation, if their schedule allows.
Mediation is a very delicate process and some couples may prefer the feel of a more personalised experience, and indeed getting the feel of a Mediation room. There is an accepted wisdom that meeting in person has a unique quality which increases the likelihood of settlement.
Parties commitment to attend in person tends to increase their willingness to find an agreement on the day, because they are aware of how much effort it has taken to get the mediation organised. It is far easier to exit an on-line meeting.
Research suggests sometimes there are less fluid discussions or less engagement on strategic issues and it can be more difficult to read body language on-line. There can also be disadvantages for those who consider themselves less" tech-savvy" Research again suggests human insight and empathy can sometimes prevail more strongly in direct meetings.
It will always be a new and possibly stressful experience and highly important to do all possible to establish complete comfort.
This, is why we offer initial information sessions in a wonderfully restored historic establishment, with good amenities for on-site parking and refreshment, as well as large gardens.
Mediation is the polar opposite of the civil court room experience and it can feel much more relaxed discussing things in a pleasant and neutral environment and be able to take a quick break, if at any time anything feels, in any way, overwhelming.
The most important thing will never, of course, be the location, or whether the process online or face-to-face, but will be neither party worrying at any stage, their voice has been muted, and at all times feeling comfortable in the way the mediation process develops and evolves.
Mediation is above all a voluntary process and much in the way that some will favour messaging by online chat to verbal chat, or visa versa, ultimately the decision down to the personal choice of each couple.
