Online Mediation: Questions and Answers
Waugh Law & Mediation offers online mediation to help clients resolve conflicts when they are not able to participate in person. While nothing takes the place of sitting in a room, sometimes that is very difficult or impossible. In those circumstances, we offer online mediation to increase the opportunities to address legal problems such as divorce, custody, employment problems, and civil matters. Today’s blog post will address questions that many clients ask about they may participate in online mediation.
How do we schedule online mediation?
Clients first contact our office and express their interest in online mediation. Just like other mediations, we work with all parties to find a time that will work best for everyone.
How long is the first session?
We start with a 15-30 minute orientation to review the mediation process at no charge to the parties. This free session provides participants with a chance to ask questions and for everyone to be ready to participate in mediation.
How many sessions will be required? How long are the sessions?
No two situations are identical. Some take only one session, while many others take two to three sessions. We usually prefer to schedule the first online meeting for 2-3 hours. At the end of that session, we decide what further meetings may be most beneficial.
What kind of equipment do participants need to participate in online mediation?
Participants can participate on a smartphone, on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. No special equipment is required.
How do you participate?
When the mediation is scheduled, all participants are provided with a private, secure login to zoom.us, our video conferencing platform. They click the link and are taken to an online room where all participants meet. A private password may be provided for additional security in some situations.
Can you share records and documents during the mediation?
Yes. Our platform permits us to share a screen and to contemporaneously share any financial or other documents.
Can we participate if we do not have the internet or a data plan?
Online mediation relies on the internet or on a cellular data plan for parties to participate. In some circumstances, we may use telephone conference calls to conduct brief meetings to prepare for mediation or ask questions in between sessions. However, mediation is generally conducted online to make it easier to share information and work towards an agreement.
What kinds of cases can be mediated using online mediation?
Any case that is capable of being mediated in-person is capable of being mediated online. This includes cases with issues such as family law, child custody, divorce, civil cases, probate issues, employment issues, small business, and homeowner associations.
Are there any advantages to having a lawyer mediate a case?
The advantages of selecting a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction to conduct online mediation are the same as in-person mediations. Brenda is licensed in Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
How much does mediation cost?
Our office charges an hourly rate of $200.00 per hour for mediation. When the parties have a combined income of less than $80,000.00 per year, we adjust the hourly rate on a sliding fee scale.
What’s next?
Contact us with your questions or to schedule your mediation!