Online Mediation during COVID-19

While most family professionals are trying to ramp up their knowledge of how to work digitally, Financial Divorce Services & Family Mediation has been working with online mediations for years. Back in 2015, I completed an online mediation course which detailed how online mediation was different from in-person m
Digital mediation offers the same options as in person mediation, in terms of being able to host breakout rooms to caucus with clients separately, allowing clients to connect with their lawyers, during process or hosting a lawyer-assisted mediation session. Administering the process is no different using digital aids, as it is in person.
One major difference
Training in online mediation is important, with considerations such as coercive control. Understanding and working with technology is easily learnt but understanding how technology affects the family dynamic is paramount.
Other than the digital differences that are taught in an online mediation training course, the same things happen in process.
- Intake sessions are held separately with both parties.
- Parenting mediations occur to effect a Parenting Plan.
- Legal financial disclosure documents are prepared and a digital brief is created for the legal team
- The financial mediation begins, with both parties, with discussion as to who keeps what and other issues that need to be considered on the financial disclosure document
- Child and Spousal support are calculated and mediated
- A Memorandum of Understanding is written
At any point, clients are encouraged to review mediation options with their lawyers but especially to receive independent legal advice (ILA) and have their mediated agreement penned into a legal separation agreement.
Call me if you want more information 416-729-7981.