With increased stress, uncertainty, anxiety, and the changes of circumstances nowadays, online mediation is increasingly becoming necessary for families dealing with conflicts. Many people are reiterating online mediation as the new frontier in family conflict resolution with the modern mediation processes proceeding virtually via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. We face tough economic times, and with people leading busy lives day in day out, online mediation provides a quicker and flexible way of resolving family issues.
Compared to retaining a lawyer, online dispute resolution provides a more cost-effective and faster way to resolve family issues. Retaining a lawyer can be expensive, and it may be unnecessary because you cannot predict family conflicts. They happen anytime. Online mediation is an available option anytime, anywhere, whenever you need to resolve an issue through mediation. Here is why online mediation is better than retaining a lawyer.
A better approach to conflict resolution
With online mediation, a mediator facilitates communication and encourages both parties to come up with the best way to resolve the conflict. The mediator empowers the couple to make independent decisions and an agreement on the way forward that is convenient to both of them and the children. On the other hand, a lawyer gives the couple legal advice and often tells them what to do rather than letting them decide.
Cost
Retaining a lawyer is not cheap. You have to pay the lawyer retainer fees, and a lawyer’s prices do not come cheap when it comes to conflict resolution. On the other hand, you only need to pay for online mediation fees when you need the services and not any additional time. Online mediation is a cost-effective way to resolve your family conflicts.
Certainty of outcome
A lawyer-driven conflict resolution is risky because you are unsure about the outcome, especially if you fail to reach an agreement and the case proceeds to court. Every lawyer is different, and some family lawyers can be irrational, manipulative, and deceptive. As such, it is easy to find yourself in an uncomfortable position with the outcome. On the other hand, online mediation allows you both to have a say in outlining the terms of your agreement. Here, you can be certain about the outcome in cases such as child custody, spousal support, property settlement, parenting plan arrangement, among other agreements.
Peaceful
Online conflict mediation is more peaceful than involving a lawyer. Family conflict resolution often demands a friendly and cooperative discussion to agree on the best way forward. Online mediation offers such a platform and does not force any party to engage in the mediation process. It happens out of will by the mediator first reiterating the mediation process’s importance and asking the party to engage kindly. On the other hand, dealing with conflict resolution through a lawyer can be messy, confrontational, and hostile since every party is focused on winning.
Confidentiality
Online mediation is private and confidential. The mediator assures you of confidentiality before the process, and you don’t have to document anything you are not willing to. Conflict resolution through a lawyer is a matter of public records and legal agreements.
The bottom line
Family conflict resolution is fast and cost-effective thanks to online mediation services you can access anytime you want.
