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Can online mediation replace face to face mediation in Divorce?

Divorce Mediation Online is one of the alternative dispute resolution processes. It is a facilitative process between two or more disputing parties overseen by a neutral third party. When the mediation is online the third party is known as an online mediator. 

Virtual Online Divorce Mediation - Online Mediation

A competent mediator can help lower the emotional temperature in a negotiation. He or she would help to promote more efficient communication between disputing parties. The mediator would also help clarify less obvious interests. He or she would also be able to suggest solutions that might not be immediately clear to the parties involved. 

But what if you were involved in a dispute with another person and a face-to-face mediation process is impossible? Welcome to the world of online mediation.

Can mediation be done online?

Online mediation is a method of online dispute resolution. Here, disputing parties attempt conflict resolution via the use of the internet. 

Note, however, that for online mediation to be effective, the specific nature of the conflict has to be considered. This includes the nature of the parties involved and the facts of the conflict. Not all conflicts can be resolved with online mediation or even the more traditional form of mediation. 

The world has become an interconnected global village. Thus, it becomes possible to have transactions with people from different geographic zones. Businesses are transacted over the World Wide Web and relationships are cultivated via the internet.

As this becomes the norm, it is impossible to escape the matter of conflicts arising. This could be because an online business transaction was botched. It could be that there was a breakdown of communication between parties in different geographic areas. Whatever the reason, it would be difficult to resolve the conflict using the traditional means of dispute resolution. This gives rise to the need for online mediation.

People also opt for online mediation when one of the parties involved feels threatened or intimidated by the other party. Thus, they are reluctant to meet physically. 

Since online mediation works through the internet, the internet is deemed a “fourth party” in the mediation process.

How do you do virtual mediation?

Mediators and Online alternative dispute resolution service providers have various platforms they use. The general ones are telephone and e-mail, with less commonly used video conferencing and real-time chats. These service providers generally have websites through which they provide their services. The websites fall into two major categories. They are blind bidding websites and discussion-based processing of disputes websites. 

Blind bidding websites are used when the dispute concerns matters of “pricing”. The sites are not suitable for disputes where liability is the issue at stake. In the blind bidding websites, the service collects bids from both parties. The website is usually password-protected and it protects each party’s bid from disclosure to the other party. The website settles the dispute if the blind bids are within a pre-agreed price range or a certain percentage of each other. The disputes are settled automatically for the median amount. The websites are usually confidential. Due to this, parties can walk away from negotiations without disclosing their “bottom lines” to each other.

Websites that use discussion-based processing of disputes are helpful in complex dispute scenarios. They transfer information between disputing parties located several miles apart. They also help to eliminate biases that would have impaired a successful resolution.

According to research conducted by ODReurope, the most comprehensive platform for conducting online mediation was Zoom. The platform was found to be comprehensive for video conferencing.

What are the advantages of online mediation?

  • Convenience: the flexibility of the process allows parties to take part when they have the time.

  • There is more room for well-thought-out responses. Due to the slower pace of email communication, mediators are better able to craft communications and strategy. They do not need to react to disputing parties’ statements immediately. Also, participants can take their time to respond to allegations or statements made by the other party. They will be able to respond logically and without the clog of emotions.

  • A level playing field for all parties. When disputing parties are composed of people who tend to dominate the conversation and those who are reserved. The use of email to communicate instead of face-to-face mediation levels the playing field. Parties with dominant confrontational temperaments will not be able to hijack the proceedings. Also, reserved parties will not feel forced to concede points unnecessarily. They won’t need to concede because they want to end confrontations or bring the process to a speedy end.

  • Caucuses are truly confidential. During conventional mediation, if a party requests a caucus, they and the mediator will have to move to another location. This could cause ill feelings with the other party as they are left to imagine the worst with what is going on in the other location. With online mediation, parties can request caucuses without the other party’s knowledge.  This reduces instances of ungracious feelings.

  • Disputing parties can concentrate on the content of each other’s points. They can do this without getting distracted by non-verbal cues. This includes cues like the crossing of the arms, eye-rolling and others that could be misconstrued as confrontational. 

  • Jurisdiction stops being an issue. In dispute cases that cut across state lines, deciding where the mediator will come from stops being an issue.

  • Disputants from different geographic zones can still discuss, as online mediation is not limited by borders.

  • Your choice of mediator is no longer limited to your geographical location. You do not have to concern yourself with choosing a mediator near you. All you need is to ensure that the mediator is an expert in the area of dispute

  • Anonymity is preserved. Online mediation is usually the best option for parties who will like to keep their anonymities intact. An example of beneficiaries of this is insurance companies and government agencies. They could keep their identities out of the mediation process when resolving disputes.

Virtual Online mediation

Is online mediation effective?

In divorce disputes, online mediation is usually a better alternative to traditional mediation. Divorce proceedings are usually fraught with high emotions especially if there is a custody battle. Online mediation allows couples to reach resolutions more easily. They could do this without dealing with the issues that face-to-face mediation brings. Couples are usually attuned to the non-verbal cues of their exes. In divorce mediation, this can put up obstacles to a successful resolution.

With online mediation, the chances of a confrontation between you and your spouse are reduced. This makes it easier for you both to make decisions without having to resort to your old and often ineffective methods of communication.

Also, you can avoid those emotional reactions you would have had if you were looking into your ex-spouse’s eyes. In short, you can make decisions and concessions without having your ex-spouse influence your decisions unduly. 

You also get a chance to cool off before you respond to a communiqué you don’t like. This helps facilitate effective communication between the two of you.

Virtual Mediation for a Divorce Soft Landing

Mediation Services for a Divorce Soft Landing

Sound Familiar?

  • Your marriage is over, but you don’t want it ending in an acrimonious court battle.
  • You’re worried about the impact a long and ugly divorce will have on your kids.
  • You’re not prepared to throw away money arguing with your spouse about trivial matters.
  • The idea of huge legal bills is keeping you awake at night.

If that all sounds familiar to you, here’s the good news: Your marriage doesn’t have to end with a messy divorce if you make the most of the divorce mediation services that are available to you.

Can mediation be done virtually? I’m ready to help

Hi, I’m Ken S. Maynard of Divorce the Smartway, and I’m a family mediator and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who’s ready to support you through your divorce by providing mediation services. The ways I will help you navigate your separation and divorce include:

  • Steering the conversations between you and your former partner, so you reach an agreement without battles
  • Deliver financial expertise so you can make informed financial decisions
  • Record everything that’s agreed during mediation in a Memorandum of Understanding or Separation Agreement
  • Be clear from the start about the prices of my services, with flat fees starting from $2000 and depending on how complex your financial situation is, so you always know what you’re paying

ken maynard

The Advantages Of Seeking Divorce Mediation

  • Your divorce can be less painful
  • The interests of your family come first
  • You can maintain your privacy, unlike in the divorce courts
  • You and your partner get more control over your settlement
  • You won’t waste loads of money on legal fees
  • Neither will you waste time in ongoing courtroom battles
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We’ll Start With A Mediation Orientation Session

During this, I’ll ask you basic information about your divorce case, and then take you through what’s involved in the mediation process. This session will also be used to review the Agreement To Mediate and to tell you about any additional resources you might need during the process. The cost of this session is $200. If you decide to go ahead and let me be your Divorce Mediator, this cost will be applied to your mediation fees.

Divorce in Ontario - Mediation
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Divorce in Ontario - Mediation

Reasons You Should Choose Divorce Mediation

  • The process is totally confidential, with all agreements made outside the court room in private.
  • This kind of divorce is almost always much less expensive than the adversarial way of terminating a marriage through the court system
  • You get more control over the speed (and cost) of getting a divorce – you’ll have more of a say over how quickly the process goes
  • You and your spouse can work together to figure out what’s best for your children

What Can Be Negotiated During Divorce Mediation?

After each mediation session, I’ll summarize what’s been discussed and provide each party with a written Memorandum of Understanding that features all the issues that were agreed during the session.

Common Financial Issued Addressed in Mediation

There are several financial issues you will want to address when negotiating your divorce settlement. Here, I summarize the main ones with links to resources.

Child Support in Ontario

Our Federal Department of Justice provides child support guidelines used to calculate child support. Factors that go into the calculation of child support include the income of each parent and the child’s extra expenses such as health care not covered, daycare and extracurricular activities. While the province has its own child support tables, there are still many variables to be considered when calculating child support. It’s best to leave this to a professional with experience with how child support can vary.

Spousal Support in Ontario

Spousal support often comes up when negotiating the separation agreement. However, sometimes it’s irrelevant as it is not awarded in every Ontario divorce case. Spousal support is the payment made from one spouse to the other either during the marriage or after. You may also hear it called spousal maintenance or as alimony. Either spouse can agree to or be ordered to pay. As with other divorce laws, how spousal support is determined varies from state to state and even varies by the local jurisdiction.

Equal Distribution of Assets/Liabilities in Ontario

Ontario is an equal distribution province. It’s important to recognize that equal distribution and equitable distribution are not the same. Couples can agree to any family property division considered “fair and equitable.”

Recent Client Testimonials

Separation and divorce are one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. And mine, even though we believed things were amicable, still had a level of tension and stress we didn’t expect. Divorce the Smartway helped to ensure my ex and I knew what we were entitled to and helped to make sure both of us were fair in what we were negotiating. People think they can do this on their own. And I was one of those people. Believe me, you cannot. Ken was professional and understood when emotions ran high. And made himself available for the many questions. Divorce the Smartway took a lot of the stress of paperwork and negotiating out of the way and helped me to focus on entering into a new phase of life.

Nancy P - Barrie, Ontario

The process of separation was confusing and emotionally charged. We wanted to limit the adversarial nature of sorting out the untangling of lives. Divorce the Smartway provided us with a solution that was fair, reasonably priced and most importantly left our dignity intact. I would highly recommend considering mediation as a option to the courts and was very happy with the way Ken and Lisa helped us find our soft landing.

SN – Vaughan

Stephen N - Vaughan, Ontario

Testimonials From Professionals

There is no question that Ken understands the relevant issues in
a family law context.. Most important, he performs these tasks with kindness, compassion and respect for the dignity of both parties’ positions during what can be a period of significant emotional turmoil.
EA - Family Law Lawyer - Simcoe County
Ken Maynard has worked hard for many years to become an expert in the divorce industry.

Ken and his team are top notch. He is very professional and very successful in negotiating divorce settlements. Litigation only results in everyone losing – a lot.

If you are thinking of divorcing or are working in the divorce industry, I highly recommend Ken. I have referred him to many clients with much success.

Maureen Tabuchi - Published Author at Empowering Women to Succeed
As a family specialist in mediation and collaborative law, I am impressed by Ken’s ability to guide clients through difficult and often emotional decisions as they move forward through life transitions.

Ken is creative in his approach to finding acceptable solutions for separating couples and their families.

He speaks candidly and competently. I highly recommend his services.

Deborah Alton
Should you come across anyone who is facing marriage breakup, do them a huge favour by counselling them to pursue mediation as an alternative to the antagonistic legal route. Ken provides a service that really helps people see past the emotional.
Dr. Les Galicinski

Who are my Typical Clients

Busy Families

Mediation Busy Families

Families with young children are active, with running out to various activities while juggling work and home responsibilities. Family life must not stop just because you have a separation and divorced to manage. I offer convenient locations and times and virtual meeting options to fit into your busy schedule.

Grey Divorce

Grey Divorce

I understand the unique concerns of empty nesters facing separation and divorce, who do not want to disturb their retirements. I will work with you to craft a solution that maximizes your family estate while minimizing the cost of your divorce.

Small Business Owners

Small Business Owners

Family enterprises can confound divorce negotiations. I have supported numerous business owners through separation and divorce progression and will use my expertise to provide guidance and simplify the process.

Young Professional Couples

Young Professional Couple

Young Professional Couples looking to make a cost-effective clean break

How do you know what’s fair?

It’s vital to work with financial experts who can guide you through this part of the process. You only have one chance to get it right and there’s plenty of room for errors to be made. For example, it’s vital you understand the tax implications of the decisions you make. We can help.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

It depends on your specific circumstances and how much you and your partner have already agreed, and what’s left to be resolved. It also depends on how complex your situation is. I will prepare an agenda ahead of each session, and deliver an email summary after the session. During the session, it’s likely that I will request additional information from you – such as pension details, so the quicker you can get this information to me, the quicker mediation will be.

Tap Here: To Schedule a Get Acquaint Call

Our Top 6 Divorce Mediation Tips

  • Choose your mediator carefully
  • Get recommendations from lawyers or friends
  • Interview mediators before hiring them and find out about their experience
  • Prepare a list of things to discuss ahead of your mediation
  • Don’t expect everything to be decided or discussed in one session
  • Be committed to making mediation work for you both
Is it necessary to go to family court2020-12-30T22:39:05-05:00

Is it necessary to go to family court ?

Only if you can’t come to an agreement- less than 5% family law cases go to trial. Talk to your lawyer to discuss other workable out-of-court options. This option should suit the specificity of your case. There are a lot of other options you can get. Collaborative practice and mediation are some of such options.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

I’ve already hired a lawyer. Is it too late for mediation?2019-06-16T23:01:59-04:00

After starting with a lawyer, many of our clients find us. It is never too late to mediate.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

I have a few more questions. What’s the best way to reach you?2019-06-16T22:54:36-04:00

If you have a question or two after reviewing our website, we recommend that you schedule a complimentary 15-minute call. We will address your questions and determine your next steps. You can do so by CLICKING HERE.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

Why use mediation if we are unable to agree?2019-06-16T21:23:37-04:00

Most often it is not as much ‘not wanting’ to reach agreement but ‘knowing how’ to decide. A mediator can convey a fresh perspective. The mediator’s own experiences and knowledge can support the parties to explore alternatives that may not have previously considered.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

I am skeptical mediation will work for us, is mediation expensive to try?2020-12-30T22:39:03-05:00

Lawyers and Family Court can always come later if no progress is made in mediation. With Divorce mediation you pay-as-you-go, there is limited financial jeopardy in trying to use mediation even if you are skeptical. You could devote a few hundred dollars to find out a settlement is not in reach and end up in Family Court anyway. However, there is a greater likelihood that you will settle in mediation if you start. In that event, you may have saved yourself tens of thousands of dollars

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

What if I don’t want to be in the same room as the other party?2019-06-16T14:34:09-04:00

I offer virtual divorce mediation services which can be conducted online so you don’t have to share the same space with your spouse.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

What happens after divorce mediation?2021-06-17T20:04:42-04:00

What happens after divorce mediation?

After a comprehensive divorce mediation, a separation agreement will be prepared. You will need a legal professional to review the separation agreement and confirm your understanding of the agreement by providing you with a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice. I will share with you a list of lawyers who will charge competitive fees to provide a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice without requiring a retainer

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

What if we don’t live near one of your offices?2019-06-16T14:12:46-04:00

That’s not a problem as we provide online mediation services that couples use, even if they are within easy reach of our offices.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

Can I Only Get Finance-Related Divorce Mediation?2019-06-16T14:09:29-04:00

We can mediate across a whole range of divorce issues, but as we are financial experts, that’s the area in which we can add the most value.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

Will you tell us what to do?2019-06-16T14:05:12-04:00

No, my job as Divorce Mediator is to get you talking with your spouse so you can sort things out between you, not to offer my opinions. If you hire me as a Certified Divorce Financial Specialist instead of a Mediator, I will be able to recommend the best division of assets as well as the best childcare and spousal support solutions. If you hire me in this role, I will not work as your Mediator.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

What’s the best way to prepare for divorce mediation?2019-07-12T12:25:49-04:00

Start by gathering all your financial information. I can give you a list of things I’ll need if you email ken@dtsw.ca  Also, take time to think about what’s the most important result for you to get from your divorce settlement and what your partner might want. Draw up a list of areas you want to discuss during mediation, and be sure to enter into sessions with a determination to compromise over those things that don’t really matter that much. If your mediation is charged on an hourly basis, you don’t want to be wasting time arguing over trivialities.  You may want to checkout my ebook How to Prepare for Separation and Divorce HERE

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

Who pays for divorce mediation?2019-06-16T21:06:30-04:00

Usually, each party pays one-half of the cost of the mediation. However, there are also many cases in which one party agrees to pay all the cost or a higher percentage than the other. In some cases, one party pays for the mediation as cost occur, then gets reimbursed for one-half in the final property division.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

How much does divorce mediation cost?2019-06-16T13:51:05-04:00

We offer mediation with a flat-fees for document preparation and an affordable per hour rate for mediation. A comprehensive settlement will cost between $2000 and $7000 depending on the complexity of your case.

About the Author:
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
647.360.3200
Next Step - Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

Have a few questions -  Tap here to Schedule a Get Acquainted Call

 

 

How to Prepare for Online Mediation

Online family mediation potentially enables the resolution of disputes in more efficient ways than ever. If you have been considering submitting your family dispute to mediation, online family mediation will prove quite beneficial, especially in these troubled times.

Online Family Mediation

Unlocking the benefits of online mediation

However, with all its benefits, online mediation simply won’t work if you are not properly primed for the process. As such, the primary key to unlocking the benefits of online mediation is to ensure you are armed with sufficient information and resources for a beneficial session. 

To help you adequately prepare for your online family mediation session, we have created this guide on the process. In this article, we will discuss what resources you will need to undergo the process, how to connect to a meeting and other tips you should know. Let’s get in. 

What do you need to start your online family mediation?

As is usually the case with all mediation processes, your online family mediation process should begin with a mediation agreement. This will be vital to establish the parameters of the mediation, the parties that can be involved, appointment of the mediator and other important terms. 

A professional mediator can advise on the crucial terms that should underlie the agreement and help you draft it. Ideally, your family law lawyer should also be involved in the process of creating the agreement. 

Apart from your mediation agreement, you should generally ensure you have the following to begin your mediation:

  • A computer: This may be either a laptop or desktop computer. Either way, ensure it has a large screen so you can more properly engage with other participants in the mediation.

  • Secure and stable WiFi: Make sure your WiFi connection is private and not public. This prevents unnecessary interruption to your internet connection and the process.

  • Good microphone: The purpose of online mediation is to make it easier for you to be heard. A good microphone makes absolutely certain of this.

  • Camera: For the best experience possible, use a HD camera if you can. Good camera quality enhances the process and makes it much more rewarding.

  • Headset: This is not always necessary. But just to be certain that you won’t miss any vital parts of the process, it makes sense to be prepared with a headset.

  • A quiet room: Mediation processes are expected to be private. As such, you should ideally pick a spot that assures you and the other participants of absolute privacy

How to connect to an online family mediation meeting

Divorce Mediation OntarioNow that you have all the right resources for your mediation, let us turn to the matter of connection to a scheduled meeting. Here at Divorce the Smartway, we utilize Zoom video-conferencing tool. As a result, the steps to connect to a meeting will be illustrated using this tool. 

You will generally have three options for connecting to an online family mediation through Zoom. These will be through a computer, or an Apple or Android phone. Although it’s always best to use a computer, we understand this may not always be possible. These steps explain how to connect with each of these devices.

Computer

On your computer, whether laptop or desktop, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: All Zoom meetings start with an invitation. You will usually receive this in your mail inbox. It will provide the details of the meeting, including the purpose, time and date. You will also receive a link to join the meeting, phone numbers that can let you dial in and login details for the meeting. Your mediator will usually send this mail to all participants.

  • Step 2: Open the Zoom application on your laptop or click on the link in the mail. It will automatically open the app. If you do not have the Zoom application, you will need to download it first. To get the application, click here and follow the instructions.

  • Step 3: Once you have opened the application, the next thing you should do is join the meeting. To do this, simply click the “Join a Meeting” button. This will bring up a gateway to the meeting.

  • Step 4: Type the “Meeting ID” and password provided in the invitation mail into the required fields to access the meeting. Once done, you can begin your meeting immediately.

Apple - iPhone - iPad

If you’re using an Apple device, you should follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Receive your invitation from the mediator. You can access this directly from your phone email inbox. The email will include the details you will need to login to the meeting and a link that lets you join the meeting. You may want to write down the “Meeting ID” and password provided in the mail. You will need these to login to the meeting.

  • Step 2: Click on the link provided in the mail or copy and paste it into Safari or Chrome. You will see a link to “Join Meeting”. click this if you have the Zoom application installed. If you don’t, click “Download from AppStore” to download and install the application.

  • Step 3: Once the application is installed, open it. You will see a page that prompts you to “Join a Meeting”. Click on the tab. Enter the “Meeting ID” in the username field and click “Join”. You will be prompted for a password. Provide the password in the mail sent to you earlier.

  • Step 4: You are almost ready to start your meeting now. When prompted, allow Zoom access to your camera by clicking “OK”, then choose if you would be joining the meeting with or without video. Finally, allow Zoom access to your microphone when prompted by clicking “OK”. Your meeting will begin after this.

Android

For Android devices, follow these steps to begin your online family mediation meeting.

  • Step 1: The process starts when you receive an invitation to join a Zoom meeting from your mediator. The mail will include a link you can follow easily to join the meeting and will also include the details you need to login to the meeting. Note the “Meeting ID” and password provided in the mail. You will need these to access the meeting later.

  • Step 2: Click on the link provided in the mail. This will take you to a page where you will have options to “Join Meeting” or “Download from Google Play”. If you have the app installed, click on “Join Meeting”. But if you don’t, you should download the app from Google Play

  • Step 3: Once you have downloaded the app, open it. You will see a page that prompts you to “Join a Meeting”. Click on this tab and then enter the “Meeting ID” sent to you in the earlier mail. Also enter your name in the field provided. You will be asked for a password. Provide the password sent in the earlier mail.

  • Step 4: Now you’re almost set for your meeting. Right under the fields for entering your Meeting ID and Name, you will see options to toggle audio and video preferences. Toggle these on and then click “Join Meeting” to start your mediation session.

Video-conferencing etiquette

Do’s and Don’ts of online family mediation

Virtual Divorce MediationAlthough doing a mediation session online seems more informal than meeting a mediator in person, it is no less formal or official. There are rules of etiquette you should follow for video-conferencing generally and online mediation in particular. Here are some you should keep in mind:

  • Good lighting: Make some effort to secure a spot with good lighting for your online session.

  • Check your settings ahead of time: Don’t leave the preparations till it’s five minutes to the meeting. Check to make sure everything is working fine long before.

  • Do a dry run: To be certain everything works perfectly, set up a test session with a friend or even your mediator. This allows you resolve any latent issues that may crop up during your session. Here’s a link you can use to set up your test session.

  • Avoid distractions: It would be quite unfair and disrespectful to the other participants if you are using your phone or otherwise distracted during the meeting.  You should avoid all distractions.

  • No other person in the room: Again, mediation is meant to be private and confidential. Do not have any non-participant in the room during the session.

  • Minimize movement: Movement is just as distracting as not paying attention. Ideally, your video should be zoomed in to your face and shoulders to provide full visibility and minimize distraction from hand or body movement

Conclusion

We understand that undergoing online family mediation for the first time can be novel and even stressful. But we can assure you that when problems arise, we will be there to help you through it. 

If you would like to discuss the specific benefits of online mediation for your family or the mechanics of setting up your session, please contact us today. We will be pleased to help.

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Ken S, Maynard CDFA
1.855.731.3500
647.360.3200

Divorce Advice
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Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Family Mediator at
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I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

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2022-06-14T15:29:28-04:00