Using Videoconferencing for Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
by Michael Heath
Videoconferencing was first introduced by AT&T at the 1968 World’s Fair in New York. That clunky, insanely expensive invention eventually developed into a usable tool that became popular in the 2010s through Zoom, Skype, and many other platforms. When the pandemic hit in 2020, what was considered a convenience quickly became a necessity. Online teaching for schoolchildren and remote working via the internet became the norm. Mediators and collaborative lawyers along with their clients were just as affected. All mediation and collaborative sessions went to the video conferencing model. When the pandemic ended many went back to in-person sessions but not all. Most divorce professionals realize the advantages of videoconferencing, some deciding to use the tool exclusively. Others employ it more than they ever did before. Propelling the use of virtual negotiation sessions has altered the marital breakup landscape.
Advantages of Videoconferencing in Divorce
In a pandemic the obvious benefit of videoconferencing in mediation sessions is social distancing, preventing people from spreading disease. Many additional reasons why professionals and divorcing spouses would choose to work that way include:
Every marriage is different. Most couples could come up with their own reasons where simply logging into a meeting would have an upside. The flexibility that videoconferencing allows has been revolutionary.
Disadvantages of Virtual Divorce
Like most good things, using videoconferencing for divorce negotiating has its drawbacks. Here are some things to consider:
A New Way Forward
Circumstances surrounding the pandemic made videoconferencing a common way to communicate. Using the combined video and audio technology to assist divorcing spouses in negotiating a divorce settlement has proven to be a useful leap forward. Couples can now conduct mediation through videoconferencing, in person, or a combination of both.