Benefits of Online Divorce Mediation
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mediation, like many businesses, had to adapt to working remotely. Mediators and divorcing spouses alike realized the benefits of online divorce mediation, and online mediation continues to be a popular choice for divorcing couples.
BENEFITS OF ONLINE DIVORCE MEDIATION
Online divorce mediation is less stressful
During face-to-face mediation, you, the mediator and the divorcing spouses meet in the same room to negotiate terms of the settlement agreement. For some, in-person meetings may feel intimidating or be emotionally triggering. In fact, when the body experiences stress, the brain secretes cortisol and other stress hormones, typically understood as a fight or flight response.
You and your spouse may not feel comfortable being in the same room with each other. With online mediation, you may be in the same virtual room, but the distance created by video-conferencing makes the experience less daunting. You may still experience stress but, typically, not to the same degree as when mediation occurs in person.
Online divorce mediation can improve the emotional climate of the mediation. Meeting from the comfort of your own home may make the mediation feel more relaxed and you may feel less vulnerable, more at-ease and more comfortable speaking candidly via video-conference. You may even find yourself thinking more clearly because you are in a calm environment. Often online mediation results in better decision making.
Online Divorce Mediation is More Convenient
Convenience is one of the key benefits of online mediation. Holding mediation meetings virtually means that neither the mediator, you nor your ex-spouse have to travel to meet for mediation meetings which saves everyone time, money and the hassle of getting to a meeting in-person. With online mediation, no one needs to fight traffic, find parking or figure out how to get to the mediation.
The increased accessibility of virtual divorce mediation is another benefit of online mediation. Online mediation is more convenient for those who have busy schedules. You, your ex-spouse and your mediator can meet without you needing to leave your house; in fact, you could attend your divorce mediation from anywhere in the world as long as you have a reliable internet connection. In addition, online divorce mediation makes mediation more accessible to those with physical challenges or those who live in remote areas.
Online Divorce Mediation Promotes Better communication
Good communication is essential in any mediation and the mediator must act as a facilitator of communication between ex-spouses. Online divorce mediation changes the dynamic from face-to-face exchanges to online video-conferencing, which often opens up channels of communication.
Many mediators find online mediation makes facilitating turn-taking easier because the mediator has more control. For example, if one spouse interrupts the other or speaks out of turn, the mediator can request that the interrupting party mute themselves. Without the fear or anxiety of interruption, you may feel more comfortable sharing information, which can increase creative solution-making, and conversations can be more constructive.
Online mediation offers the breakout room option which allows the mediator to separate ex-spouses if discussions heat up. Finally, during in-person mediation, body language can be distracting. When mediating online, you may find yourself paying closer attention to each person in the mediation which is a major benefit.
Final Thoughts About Online Divorce Mediation
Certainly, online mediation has changed the landscape of divorce mediation. Mediators and participants alike agree that online divorce mediation offers many benefits. Reduced stress, greater convenience, and improved communication are only a few of the advantages to mediating your divorce online. As technological improvements continue, and as the world gets more comfortable mediating online, there is no doubt that the benefits of online divorce mediation will grow, leading to increased resolution rates and greater satisfaction for divorcing couples.
If you are considering divorce mediation or you would like more information about the benefits of online divorce mediation, contact Dr. Corey Hirsch at (310) 486-8842.