- Virtual Mediation offers convenience and flexibility while reducing the time and travel involved in meeting in person.
- Virtual Mediation may provide greater comfort and physical distance when being near your spouse creates anxiety or concerns.
- In-person Mediation can make it easier to stay focused and allows the mediator to observe body language and other reactions.
- The best setting depends on your circumstances, your ability to focus, and how comfortable you are participating in the process.
Is Virtual Mediation More Convenient?
One of the biggest advantages of virtual Mediation is convenience. You and your spouse do not have to be in the same location and can participate without spending additional time traveling to an attorney’s or mediator’s office.
Virtual Mediation also provides more flexibility during the day. For example, you may be able to pause Mediation to pick up your children from school and return afterward. Attorneys may also be able to handle a short hearing or another necessary task during a scheduled break. This flexibility can make it easier to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
When Virtual Mediation May Feel More Comfortable
For some people, virtual Mediation provides a greater sense of comfort and safety. If being in the same building as your spouse makes you uncomfortable or fearful, participating virtually gives you greater physical distance.
You may also be able to participate from separate virtual rooms and communicate through the mediator rather than seeing your spouse on screen. This can be particularly helpful when being in the presence of your spouse makes it difficult to focus or make decisions.
What Are the Benefits of In-Person Mediation?
One advantage of in-person Mediation is that it can be easier to stay focused on the process. When you are meeting virtually, emails, messages, work, and other responsibilities can compete for your attention. Meeting in person allows you to set aside that time for your Mediation and work directly with your attorney and the mediator.
Meeting in person also allows the mediator to observe body language, facial expressions, and other reactions that may be difficult to recognize during a virtual meeting. These cues can provide additional insight into how you are responding to the discussion.
Your attorney also has direct access to you throughout the day. This can make it easier to discuss questions and decisions as they arise without the distractions that can sometimes occur during virtual Mediation.
Should You Choose In-Person or Virtual Mediation?
There is no single approach that works best for every Mediation. Virtual Mediation offers convenience, flexibility, and physical distance, while meeting in person may make it easier to remain focused and fully engaged in the process.
For some people, meeting in person also creates a greater sense of commitment because everyone has set aside the time to be there and focus on resolving the issues. For others, the convenience and physical distance provided by virtual Mediation can make it easier to participate productively.
Your circumstances, relationship with your spouse, ability to focus, and comfort level can all affect which approach works better for you. Discussing these factors with your attorney before Mediation can help you decide whether meeting virtually or in person is a better fit for your situation.
Contact Goodblatt ● Leo
If you are considering Mediation, the experienced Florida attorneys at Goodblatt ● Leo can help you prepare for the process and discuss whether virtual or in-person Mediation is a good fit for your circumstances. Call us at 407.228.7007 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Goodblatt ● Leo is located at 1040 Woodcock Rd., Suite 251, Orlando, FL 32803.
FAQs
Is virtual Mediation less effective than in person Mediation?
Not necessarily. Virtual Mediation provides convenience and flexibility and can work well for many people, while others may find it easier to communicate and focus in person.
Will I have to be in the same room as my spouse during Mediation?
Not necessarily. Depending on the circumstances, you may participate in separate rooms or virtual rooms and communicate through the mediator.
What if I feel uncomfortable being around my spouse?
Talk with your attorney and mediator before Mediation. Your comfort and ability to participate should be considered when deciding whether virtual or in person Mediation is appropriate.
Our attorneys, Amy E. Goodblatt and Tatiana Leo, have more than 55 years of combined legal experience. They are directly involved in each case and stay focused on the issues that matter most to you.
