In-Person or Zoom Mediation?

Which way of separating is best: in-person vs. Zoom? That is not an easy choice, sometimes.

WAYS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT WHEN SEPARATING

If this is your relationship and you’ve decided to split, there are some options: an attorney or mediation. Even in mediation there are options. A mediator can talk with each of you separately either in two rooms or by phone, a mediator can meet with you in the same room, or a mediator can meet with you on Zoom.https://zoom.us/about. But which is better? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each:

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MEDIATION VENUES

in-person vs. Zoom and beyond.

In- Person Same Room:

Advantages: can reach conclusions faster if parties can tolerate each other, hence less expensive

Disadvantages: sometimes face-to-face contact can be stressful and people can’t think as clearly

In-Person Two rooms OR via phone or separate visits:

Advantages: each person can be frank and honest, and express frustration more easily and authentically.

Disadvantages: no direct knowledge of how the other is reacting; it is a slower process and hence more expensive.

Zoom:

Advantages: immediate and some chance to see reaction; may be less time-consuming because of travel time; sometimes it splits the difference between in-person and two rooms: people can be less anxious and less bothered emotionally by a person miles away.

Disadvantages: in video it is harder to sense body language and feelings; it may be slower than in-person, and hence more expensive.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

in-person vs. Zoom. It is up to you to decide what works or doesn’t work for both of you. Generally, it is best to try mediation before litigation and often to try in-person before separating out into different rooms. Zoom can work well for some and fail miserably for others. A lot depends on past history so it is best to consult with a mediator regarding these options.