Telemediation

What is Telemediation?

Telemediation is mediation carried out with video conferencing rather than in-person meetings. Modern technology such as WebEx permits the Mediator to see and talk to both partners and permits each partner to see each other and the Mediator. Anyone with a computer can participate.

The only additional equipment that may be required is a video cam that can be purchased for as little as forty dollars. Most modern laptop computers have a built-in video cam and microphones so in that case no additional equipment is required.

Telemediation is effective in allowing mediators to help couples resolve the issues of divorce. Unlike telephone conferences each participant can see the facial expressions of the other which is critical to effective communication. When documents need to be exchanged fax or scanning and email provide quick transmission. Telemediation is close enough to “being there” and makes the process comfortable for everyone.

Why Sam Margulies pioneered Telemediation

Sam Margulies has been among the foremost Divorce mediators and has taught and trained many mediators nationwide. For years Sam Margulies received weekly requests from around the country requesting help finding competent mediators. Usually calls and emails come from people who have read one of Sam Margulies’s books or blog and seek a mediator who can help them divorce in the manner Sam Margulies proposes in his writing.

Sam Margulies has referred them to the directories of various organizations who claim to certify mediators. But many couples have been quite uncomfortable with this process because the issue of quality service remains a huge problem in the field of mediation.

In most states, people can obtain “certification” as mediators based on minimal attendance at seminars and with practically no experience in mediation. The failure of the field to develop rigorous training and credentialing has long been a major disappointment.

After hundreds of request from couples in different parts of the country wanting Sam to fly out to their city to mediate their divorce adding to the expense and more importantly to the time it adds to the process, Sam pioneered Telemediation using the most advanced video conferencing technology thus being able to assist many more couples who contact him seeking help.

How Does it Work?

When a couple requests telemediation with Sam Margulies, an initial conference phone call is used to make an appointment for the initial meeting. The spouses can be in the same location at the same computer, or can be in separate locations, each at his/her own computer. All that is needed are phone numbers and email addresses to set up the meeting.

Generally, the meetings are scheduled for regular business hours but special arrangements can be made to take time zone differences into account. After the initial meeting, mediation sessions are scheduled and proceed in the same way as in regular face to face mediation. Couples are free to choose local lawyers as advisors and for the purpose of finalizing the separation agreement once agreement has been reached on all issues.

Some Special Advantages

1. Some couples are uncomfortable in each other’s presence. For such couples telemediation makes it easier because each partner remains in a separate location.
2. Some couples live in different cities and states and would be unable to mediate because of the distance involved. This is particularly helpful for couples who are divorced and now live in different states but are involved in a post divorce dispute they would like to mediate.
3. Finally, there are some couples who have had a bad beginning to their divorce and may be subject to a restraining order that prohibits them from being in the same location. Telemediation opens new opportunities for these couples for amicable settlement.