
Online mediation: A great alternative to traditional in-person dispute resolution
For many separating couples, the idea of navigating a divorce can feel overwhelming. Between legal fees, court battles, and the emotional toll, the process can quickly become stressful and expensive. But what if there was a way to simplify the process, keep things amicable, and even save money through family mediation? Enter Online mediation—a modern alternative to traditional in-person divorce mediation that is gaining popularity across Canada.
At Positive Solutions Divorce Services, we’ve seen firsthand how Online mediation is transforming the way couples separate. In this blog, we’ll explore why Online mediation is an effective and accessible option, how it works, and why it might be the best choice for your separation journey.
What is Online Mediation?
Online mediation follows the same principles as in-person mediation, except that all meetings take place online. Through secure video conferencing platforms, couples can work with a professional mediator to resolve key aspects of their separation, including parenting time, decision-making, financial support, and property division. The goal is to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement—all from the comfort of your own home.
How does Online mediation differ from traditional mediation?
Unlike traditional mediation, which requires both parties to be physically present in the same room, Online mediation allows couples to engage remotely using online platforms. This eliminates the need for travel and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling sessions.
Why More Couples Are Choosing Online Mediation
The shift to Online mediation isn’t just about convenience; it offers several practical and emotional benefits that make the separation process smoother and less stressful. Here’s why more and more couples are choosing this option:
- More Affordable Than Traditional Divorce
One of the biggest advantages of Online mediation is cost savings. Traditional divorce litigation can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. With mediation, the focus is on collaboration, not conflict, which helps keep costs significantly lower. Online mediation further reduces expenses by eliminating travel costs and overhead expenses, making the cost even more efficient.
- Comfort and Convenience
Going through a divorce is already emotionally difficult. The last thing you want is to deal with the added stress of traveling to a mediation office. Online mediation allows you to participate from a familiar, comfortable setting—whether that’s your living room, home office, or another private space. This can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed environment for discussions.
- More Accessible for Both Parties
Coordinating schedules during a separation can be challenging, especially when work, childcare, or living in different locations are factors. Online mediation makes it easier for both parties to attend sessions without worrying about commuting or finding a meeting location that works for everyone. As long as you have an internet connection and a desktop computer or laptop with a camera, you can participate from anywhere in the world.
- A Safe and Neutral Space
For some couples, being in the same physical space can be difficult, especially if there’s tension or emotional strain. Online mediation creates a neutral and structured environment where discussions can take place with the guidance of a trained mediator. This setup can help minimize conflict and keep conversations productive and focused.
- Efficient and Flexible Scheduling
Traditional in-person mediation often requires coordinating office hours, travel time, and meeting space availability. Online mediation offers much more flexibility, allowing sessions to be scheduled at times that work best for both parties. This means that couples can move through the mediation process at a pace that suits their needs, often completing a Separation Agreement faster than with traditional methods.
- Privacy and Confidentiality
Many couples worry about the privacy of their separation process. Online mediation ensures that discussions remain confidential without the risk of running into acquaintances at a lawyer’s office or courthouse. Secure online platforms are used to protect the integrity of the mediation process, allowing couples to handle their matters discreetly.
- Reduced Emotional Strain
Divorce is an emotional process, and traditional litigation will escalate conflicts. Online mediation allows couples to focus on resolution rather than confrontation. Without the stress of court proceedings or adversarial legal teams, the process encourages cooperation and reduces emotional strain.
- More Successful Co-Parenting Outcome
For couples with children, Online mediation promotes parental cooperation by creating a structured, low-conflict environment where discussions remain child-focused and productive. It reduces emotional tension by allowing parents to participate from separate locations, while promoting open dialogue and problem-solving.
- Accessibility for Couples in Different Locations
If one or both partners have relocated due to work or other personal circumstances, Online mediation eliminates the need for expensive travel. Whether one party is in another city, province, or even country, family mediation can still take place, ensuring that separation agreements can be reached efficiently.
- Encourages Focus and Productivity
Online mediation eliminates many of the distractions that can occur in an office setting, such as waiting times and unnecessary interruptions. With a structured online environment, sessions tend to stay on track, leading to faster decision-making and more productive discussions.
What can I expect during an Online mediation meeting?
If you’re considering Online mediation, here’s what you can expect from the process:
- Initial Consultation: You and your former partner will schedule a free joint consultation with a mediator to discuss your situation and determine if mediation is the right fit.
- Mediation Sessions: Over the course of several online sessions, your mediator will guide you through discussions about key issues, helping you both find fair and practical solutions.
- Drafting the Separation Agreement: Once all decisions are made, your mediator will draft a legally binding Separation Agreement that outlines all the terms you’ve agreed upon.
- Independent Legal Advice: Before finalizing the agreement, each party has the option to seek independent legal advice to ensure they fully understand their rights and obligations.
- Finalization: Once both parties have signed the agreement, you’ll have a clear, documented plan to move forward.
FAQ’s
Several factors contribute to lengthy traditional separations:
- Court backlogs extending 12-24 months for simple hearings
- Lawyers juggling multiple cases leading to scheduling conflicts
- Time spent waiting for responses to legal correspondence
- The billable hour system incentivizes delayed resolution
- Multiple court appearances required for even minor disagreements
- Administrative delays in document processing
- Time needed for discovery and information exchange between lawyers
- Postponements due to lawyer or court scheduling conflicts

What equipment or technology is required for Online mediation?
Participants typically need a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone, along with a stable internet connection, to effectively engage in Online mediation sessions.
Do I need a lawyer to participate?
While having legal representation is optional, mediators cannot provide legal advice, and sometimes arbitration may be necessary to resolve disputes. Participants are encouraged to consult with a mediation friendly lawyer prior to signing any final documents pertaining to their separation.
What are some common challenges with Online mediation?
Online mediation offers many advantages, but it also presents challenges that require careful management to ensure effectiveness. Technical issues, such as connectivity problems or software glitches, can disrupt sessions, making pre-session checks and reliable technical support essential.
The absence of physical presence may make it harder to interpret non-verbal cues, requiring mediators to stay attentive and ask clarifying questions to maintain clear communication.
Confidentiality can also be a concern if participants lack a secure, private space, potentially affecting their willingness to speak openly.
Additionally, digital fatigue from prolonged sessions can reduce focus and engagement, emphasizing the need for regular breaks.
How do I Choose the Right Mediator for Online Mediation?
To choose the right mediator for Online mediation, consider several key factors to ensure an effective process.
- Assess the mediator’s experience and expertise in family mediation, particularly in the area of family law, to benefit from their insights and strategies.
- Research their reputation through reviews and recommendations to gauge reliability and professionalism.
- Look for mediators with the ODR Specialist designation, as this certification indicates advanced skills in online dispute resolution.
- Ensure they possess technical proficiency with video conferencing tools and digital document management to facilitate smooth sessions, emphasizing their role in the facilitation of communication.
- Finally, ensure the mediator’s availability and flexibility to accommodate your schedule, making the process more convenient and less stressful.
By evaluating these factors, you can select a mediator well-suited to guide your Online mediation effectively.
Can private discussions (caucuses) occur during mediation?
Yes, mediators can facilitate private breakout “rooms” during Online sessions, allowing individual parties to have confidential discussions with the mediator.
How secure and confidential is Online mediation?
Reputable Online mediation platforms use robust security measures such as encryption, unique meeting IDs, and Online waiting rooms to ensure that sessions remain private and protected from unauthorized access.
Take the First Step Toward a Peaceful Separation
At Positive Solutions Divorce Services, we believe that separation doesn’t have to be a battle. With Online mediation, you can navigate your divorce in a way that is cost-effective, respectful, and efficient—all while staying out of court.
If you’re ready to explore Online mediation, we invite you to book a free joint consultation with one of our experienced mediators. Together, we can help you find a positive path forward.
Book your free joint online consultation today!

Author: Bev Lewis
President and founder of Positive Solutions Divorce Services®
(416)-559-5527 | connect@positivesolutions.ca | positivesolutions.ca