Mediation is a process of resolving conflict without going to court. It’s also a technique that allows people to work out their differences and find solutions to their problems without giving up or ceding control. With today’s technology, mediation can be done online. However, you may ask yourself if this practice is the right option for you and your dispute resolution process. Is it beneficial? Does it have its own pros and cons? Let’s take a look at some of the most important things you need to know about online mediation!
Benefits of Online Mediation
Online mediation allows people to resolve their disputes from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for face-to-face communication. To some, this is an advantage, as it allows them to avoid potentially difficult or confrontational situations. Online mediation also makes it easy to continue contributing to your day-to-day activities and obligations, regardless of the nature or length of your dispute. Online mediation services are generally quite affordable. Some services are even free, though you should do your research to confirm this, as there are also plenty of more costly options. If a dispute resolution process is necessary, and you don’t have the financial resources to settle it in court, online mediation may be the best option for you.
Drawbacks of Online Mediation
Online mediation may not be ideal for everyone. For example, people with disabilities that make it difficult to communicate online may find the process difficult and perhaps even exclusionary. Online mediation is also not an appropriate choice if the dispute requires a high degree of confidentiality. Online mediation is also not a good option if you and the other party are in the middle of a highly emotional dispute that is likely to result in cyberbullying or another such attack on the other person. Unfortunately, this does happen sometimes, and it’s important to know that online mediation services don’t have the resources to monitor and control online discussions as thoroughly as courts do.
How is Online Mediation different from traditional mediation?
The main difference between online and traditional mediation is the absence of one key piece of the mediation puzzle – face-to-face communication. Traditional mediation is a process in which two parties sit down face-to-face with a third party (the mediator) who facilitates conversation and helps the two parties reach an agreement. Online mediation, on the other hand, is done entirely in written communication. Online mediation lacks the advantage of nonverbal communication (like facial expressions or body language) which can be crucial to the mediation process. It also makes it easy for the two parties to misinterpret or misremember the other person’s statements.
Conclusion
Mediation is a useful tool that can help people resolve their disputes and avoid the time and expense of going to court. It has long been a popular option for couples going through a divorce and families dealing with child custody and child support issues. With the rise of technology, however, more people are opting to go online with their mediation process. Mediation is a flexible process, and there are many different ways it can be done. Online mediation, while gaining popularity and acceptance, is still a relatively new practice. It’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of this form of mediation before deciding whether or not it’s right for your dispute.
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