The recent shutdowns and social distancing guidelines have had a strain on the court system and mediations in general. We received word that the courthouse has suspended all mediations until further notice. You can imagine how much this might delay your divorce in Tampa Florida. But there is hope, and it comes in the form of Remote Virtual Mediations with Natalie Baird Mediations.
What exactly is a Remote Virtual Mediation?
Technology has gotten to a place where you no longer have to meet face-to-face to do business or conduct personal affairs. The recent pandemic has proven that important matters can be concluded remotely using video conferencing. There are many applications that we use in Tampa Florida to communicate with you, but the primary method of meeting is called Zoom. We can also communicate through Facebook messenger or Skype, and we utilize online signing services call DocuSign. DocuSign is a legally binding way to sign contracts with your computer, phone, or tablet from wherever in the Tampa Bay area you might be.
How does Remote Virtual Mediation work?
You will use your camera on your computer, cell phone, or tablet to connect to a virtual meeting room with Natalie, your spouse, and yourself. The video conference will happen in real-time, and you will be able to see and hear the other members of the meeting. The virtual meetings are private, safe, and most of all, secure. You just have to make sure you are in a quiet room where you have privacy and no interruptions.
Natalie Baird Mediations in Tampa Bay is here to help you mediate your divorce
When you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, you will have some very important decisions to make. These decisions can involve children, shared debt, and shared assets – among many other very important topics. Natalie Baird has years of experience helping couples work through the complicated issues that are involved during a dissolution of marriage. She is Certified by the Florida Supreme Court and is a competent Board Certified Divorce Attorney. You can trust her to know the law and help you and your spouse move towards an amicable agreement. Natalie Baird Mediations in Tampa understands that people getting divorces can have high emotions at times, but Natalie is an expert mediator and can help both parties work towards a resolution. If you are looking for a divorce attorney or divorce mediator in Tampa 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