Online mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows parties to resolve disputes outside of court without going through the expense and stress of a full-blown trial. In an online mediation, the parties agree to a set of rules and procedures that will govern how they will communicate with each other and their counsel during negotiations. The goal of an online mediation is to facilitate a successful resolution of the dispute through dialogue, negotiation, and creative problem-solving. Unlike other forms of ADR, online mediation does not require the presence of the parties in the same room at the same time. Instead, each party and their counsel will use computer software to communicate with each other and the mediator from their own locations in real-time. In this blog post, we will explain what online mediation is, why parties choose it over traditional arbitration, and how it can benefit their case.

What is online mediation?

Online mediation is a dispute resolution process in which the parties meet with a neutral third party in real time via computer or telephone to discuss and attempt to resolve their dispute. The parties agree to a set of rules and procedures that will govern how they will communicate with each other and the mediator during negotiations. The goal of an online mediation is to facilitate a successful resolution of the dispute through dialogue, negotiation, and creative problem-solving. Unlike other forms of ADR, online mediation does not require the presence of the parties in the same room at the same time. Instead, each party and their counsel will use computer software to communicate with each other and the mediator from their own locations in real-time.Unlike arbitration, mediation is voluntary and does not result in a decision by a third party that is legally enforceable.

Why would parties choose online mediation?

Online mediation is often a more accessible and less expensive alternative to traditional arbitration because it does not require the parties to travel to a distant location for a hearing. Online mediation also provides the parties with more flexibility in choosing a neutral third party than arbitration because the parties can select a mediator who is best suited for their case. Online mediation can also be more efficient than arbitration because the parties can continue working on their case while the mediation is ongoing.Unlike arbitration, mediation does not result in a written decision that can be used as evidence in other legal proceedings. However, the parties can record their mediation discussion and have it transcribed to create a transcript that can be used as evidence in another proceeding.

Benefits of online mediation

The benefits of online mediation include a lower cost, increased accessibility, and greater flexibility in choosing a neutral third party than traditional arbitration. Online mediation is often a more accessible and less expensive alternative to traditional arbitration because it does not require the parties to travel to a distant location for a hearing. Online mediation also provides the parties with more flexibility in choosing a neutral third party than arbitration because the parties can select a mediator who is best suited for their case. Online mediation can also be more efficient than arbitration because the parties can continue working on their case while the mediation is ongoing.Unlike arbitration, mediation does not result in a written decision that can be used as evidence in other legal proceedings. However, the parties can record their mediation discussion and have it transcribed to create a transcript that can be used as evidence in another proceeding.

Drawbacks of online mediation

The biggest drawback of online mediation is that the parties cannot be sure that their mediation discussion will remain confidential. Unlike arbitration, mediation is not governed by a set of rules that require the parties to keep their discussions confidential. This can be problematic if the parties wish to discuss sensitive issues such as confidential information, medical history, or other private matters.Another drawback of online mediation is that the parties cannot be sure that their mediation discussion will result in a successful resolution of the dispute. Unlike arbitration, mediation does not have a set of rules that require the parties to resolve their dispute. This can make it difficult for the parties to agree to a resolution that will satisfy both parties and end the dispute.

Summing up

Online mediation is a dispute resolution process in which the parties meet with a neutral third party in real time via computer or telephone to discuss and attempt to resolve their dispute. The parties agree to a set of rules and procedures that will govern how they will communicate with each other and the mediator during negotiations. The goal of an online mediation is to facilitate a successful resolution of the dispute through dialogue, negotiation, and creative problem-solving. Unlike other forms of ADR, online mediation does not require the presence of the parties in the same room at the same time. Instead, each party and their counsel will use computer software to communicate with each other and the mediator from their own locations in real-time.