Online Family Mediation
Before discussing online family mediation, it helps to know what family mediation is, and what it aims to achieve.
Family mediation is about helping people undergoing a separation or divorce to move forward with their lives, and to see past the immediate feelings of anger, sadness, or bitterness, reducing conflict to make rational and sensible choices about their respective futures.
In family mediation, the mediator is not there to pass judgement or take sides. They are there to focus attention on the long term needs of both parties and any children involved in the separation.
While there are certain exceptions, of course, many people have found that mediation has proved far more effective in working through issues like childcare and division of property and finances than proceeding through the courts. Not only that, it’s has proven to be considerably cheaper, too.
What is Family Mediation Online
As the name suggests, it is a virtual, online equivalent of what has more traditionally taken place in the offices of an accredited family mediator. It is a private, safe, and confidential place to work through any issues you may have that are preventing you from moving forward to live your lives independently.
Initially, both parties will meet individually with a mediator to discuss their needs and expectations, and to decide whether mediation is the right course of action for them. If that proves to be the case, they will then meet together to work through the issues and come to a mutually agreed decision on a way forward.
Rather than in a physical office space, this takes place using an internet-enabled device and video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype, from wherever each participant chooses.
Online Family Mediation: Advantages
Distance Is No Object
Following a separation or divorce, the parties involved may no longer live near to each other, perhaps moving to different cities or even countries. This can make mediation in person more challenging due to one or other party having to travel further than the other. It requires taking time out of the day not just for the mediation but the travel too, and all the associated stresses and costs therein.
Taking family mediation online removes the barrier of physical distance, enabling both parties to discuss the issues in confidence from a location of their choosing.
More Inclusive
Everyone should have access to mediation, however, illness, disability, or other issues can create their own set of issues when it comes to attending meetings, especially if such issues arise at short notice. Making family mediation available online means that everyone gets to say their piece on their future, without the complication of rearranging meetings or transport.
More Time And Cost Effective
Family Mediation Sessions aren’t particularly long – a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting lasts around 45 minutes, and further sessions to discuss childcare or finances are around 90 minutes. However, once you factor in preparation, travel time (and its associated costs), it can add up to a more sizeable chunk of the day.
By taking the family mediation online there is no commute or travel required, only the internet-enabled device and a quiet place with an internet connection to use it.
Less Stressful, More Comfortable
Separation and divorce are among the most stressful times a person can go through, but working with a mediator can help mitigate that.
In some cases, the thought of sharing a room with a former partner is more than some people can bear, increasing anxiety and stress. Were mediation to take place in a neutral, physical location, each party would occupy a different room with the mediator shuttling between them, discussing options and relaying thoughts.
In the case that the relationship has remained sufficiently amicable for both parties to be able to sit around a table with a mediator to facilitate discussions, it will still not be as comfortable as home.
With family mediation online, all eventualities can be considered.
Virtual waiting and breakout rooms, available with some video conferencing software, mean that, just like in real life, neither participant gets more time with the mediator if they arrive early, and they can remain in contact with the mediator in a separate online space should it become too much.
Online mediation provides all the benefits of an experienced mediator from the comfort of your own home.
If you require more information about online family mediation or would like to book an appointment, please click here to send us a message or call us on 0333 567 0377.
The Practicalities Of Online Family Mediation
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely already aware of the benefits of family mediation, how it can reduce stress, anxiety, and conflict between people going through divorce or separation and sorting out the practicalities of moving forward independently.
Entering into family mediation online is nothing new, but in this new era of social distancing it has become increasingly popular, and no wonder. There’s no more having to make travel arrangements, getting stuck in traffic, or having to worry about sharing a space with the other person.
Online family mediation doesn’t require anything more than an internet-enabled device with a camera and microphone and an appropriate app. It could be a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, a tablet such as an iPad or an android phone or iPhone. There are many popular platforms for conducting online mediation, with Skype and Zoom being among the most popular. Zoom has the additional benefit of having a virtual waiting room so all parties can meet with the mediator at the same time, as well as the option to remain in separate virtual rooms with the mediator alternating between you.
It’s worth making a few simple preparations, however, to make sure you get the most out of your session, whether it’s your first Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) or one of your later mediation sessions.
Here are a few things to consider before you start your mediation:
Find Somewhere Comfortable
One of the key aspects of family mediation is that all parties feel safe and comfortable so they can speak freely and honestly. Meetings last between an hour and an hour-and-a-half, so it’s important you’re sitting comfortably.
Prepare Your Paperwork
For some meetings you might need paperwork to hand regarding finances or childcare. Make sure you have it ready and within easy reach before the meeting.
Likewise, have a pen and paper to hand should you wish to note anything down.
Prepare Your Device
Software
If you don’t have the necessary video conferencing software installed, visit the appropriate store or website for your phone or computer to download it. Your mediator will be able to point you in the right direction. Once installed, sign in if required and try to familiarise yourself with the interface.
Hardware
Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged – video calls can drain batteries quite quickly. If possible, keep your device on charge during the call to minimise any interruptions. It’s also recommended to use the largest device you have – it will be easier to see the people involved as well as any documentation that comes up. The bigger the screen, the better your experience will be.
If using your phone, try to set it up so it sits at eye-level so you’re not craning your neck. If you don’t have a stand or tripod, lean your phone against something heavy so it won’t fall backwards, and hold it in place with a tiny blob of blu-tack so it doesn’t slip forwards.
Internet Connection
An ethernet cable connecting your laptop or computer to your home broadband router (such as Skybox or HomeHub) will guarantee the most reliable connection to the internet in your home, but WiFi will usually work perfectly well too. If using the WiFi on your phone or laptop, try to avoid sitting in a location that you know has a spotty connection.
Important Note:If you plan on accessing the internet using your mobile phone service provider (BT, Vodafone, EE, etc) please be aware that video calls use a lot of data which may incur additional charges unless you are on an unlimited data plan. For this reason, we highly recommend using broadband as far as possible.
Minimise Distractions
As with any meeting with a family mediator, the conversations you hold are completely confidential. When discussing the finer points of childcare or finances the last thing you want is someone walking in and interrupting or overhearing sensitive information.
Arrange childcare if there are young children present, and ensure no deliveries or tradesmen are scheduled to arrive during the meeting. You may also wish to divert any incoming calls to voicemail.
Similarly, if you have pets, consider whether you want them in the same room. Some people enjoy the comfort of their pet nearby, but others may find them distracting.
What To Do Now
If you require any further information or assistance regarding family mediation online, please click here to contact us or give us a call on 0333 567 0377.
