Online Mediation: The New Norm?

I believe the increased availability of online family mediation is one of the positives that has come from the country being in lockdown.

Whilst we may be getting tired of hearing the phrase “the new normal” the reality is that once this pandemic is over, although some things will go back to how they used to be, many ways we used to do things will be no more.

I sincerely hope that it will not be too long before I can sit and speak with my clients in the same room, in a face-to-face meeting. However, I for one will not be turning my back on the use of technology giving clients the option of having remote meetings.

Throughout lockdown we have been able to offer online mediations for couples who have separated, to talk about the arrangements for their children or financial issues that need to be resolved. We have conducted both our assessment meetings and joint mediation meetings using video technology and they have worked really well in helping couples work together amicably and resolve the issues that need sorting out in a timely and cost effective way.

There are many advantages of having your mediation online, including the following:

• You do not have to travel to a meeting, saving you time;
• Geography of where you and your former partner live is no longer an issue; as long as you have a computer, laptop or tablet and a Wi-Fi connection you can join the meeting wherever you are;
• You can have the meeting in the comfort of your own home;
• You can easily share documents;

Going forwards, we will continue to make the most out of the technology that we have and offer the use of online mediation.

For more information please contact Richard on 0114 228 3293 or richard.buckley@luptohnfawcett.law