Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, courthouses in the Tampa Bay area have postponed all mediation and diversion services. How can you continue your mediated divorce with the new societal restraints that are in place? The answer is online Virtual Divorce Mediation.
With the rise of Internet meetings, live streaming videos, and virtual concerts; would it also surprise you to know that you can mediate your divorce online? It’s perfectly legal and accepted by the court. No longer do you need to meet at an office, or wear a face mask to mediate your divorce.
Natalie Baird Mediations has merged virtual meeting rooms and Divorce Mediations to offer a Virtual Mediation. That means wherever your spouse is and wherever you are, you both can attend your Divorce Mediation using live video. You could be at your office in Clearwater and your spouse could be at home in Tampa, and both of you could participate in your Divorce Mediation.
What is a ‘virtual’ Divorce Mediation?
As long as you have a private room where no one can overhear or interrupt, you could be enjoying a safer, lower stress Virtual Mediation. You will use your cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop (with a camera) and connect to your Virtual Mediation room we’re Natalie and your spouse will both be connected. You will be able to see and hear the mediator and you will be able to negotiate from a separate virtual rooms. It’s safe, secure, and best of all, much more convenient for you and your spouse.Â
How do you choose your Divorce Mediator in the Tampa Bay area?
If you and your spouse have already decided that the marriage cannot be saved, you have some important decisions to make in the coming weeks. You will need to decide what happens with your shared assets, shared debt, and children if you have any.
Natalie Baird is a Board Certified Divorce Attorney and a Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator in Tampa Florida. She has personally overseen thousands of Divorce Mediations and is here to help you with yours. She understands that divorces can be contentious at times, but she is a skilled mediator and can help both parties speak with each other with honesty and respect. If you are looking for a Divorce Attorney or Divorce Mediator in Clearwater or Sarasota, please fill out the form to the left or give Natalie Baird mediations at 813-440-9975
Who Controls the Process
Collaborative:
You and your spouse control the process and make final decision
Litigation:
Judge controls process and makes final decisions
Degree of Adversity
Collaborative:
You and your spouse pledge mutual respect and openness.
Litigation:
Court process is based on an adversarial system
Cost
Collaborative:
Costs are manageable, usually less expensive than litigation; team model is financially efficient in use of expert
Litigation:
Costs are unpredictable and can escalate rapidly including frequency of post-judgement litigation
Timetable
Collaborative:
You and your spouse create the timetable
Litigation:
Judge sets the timetable: often delays given crowded court calendar
Use of Outside Experts
Collaborative:
Jointly retained specialists provide information and guidance helping you and your spouse develop informed, mutually beneficial solution
Litigation:
Separate experts are hired to support the litigants’ positions, often at a great expense to each
Involvement of Lawyers
Collaborative:
Your lawyers work toward a mutually created settlement
Litigation:
Lawyers fight to win, but someone will lose
Privacy
Collaborative:
The process and discussion or negotiation details are kept private
Litigation:
Dispute becomes a matter of public record and sometimes media attention
Facilitation of Communication
Collaborative:
Team of collaborative practice specialists educate and assist you and your spouse on how to effectively communicate with each other
Litigation:
No process designed to facilitate communication
Voluntary vs. Mandatory
Collaborative:
Voluntary
Litigation:
Mandatory if no agreement
Lines of Communication
Collaborative:
You and your spouse communicate directly with the assistance of members of your team
Litigation:
You and your spouse negotiate through your lawyers
Court involvement
Collaborative:
Outside court
Litigation:
Court-based