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Specialty tag(s): Divorce Mediation

Can Mediation Be Done Virtually to Settle a Divorce?

Ryan R. Bauerle | May 1, 2025

Divorce mediation has traditionally been conducted in person, but with the increasing availability of technology, more people are wondering whether this process can be done virtually. Can mediation be done virtually? The answer is yes. In fact, not only can mediation be done virtually, but virtual mediation, particularly through platforms like Zoom, has become the new standard in many cases, making it easier, more cost-effective, and more accessible for parties involved in divorce proceedings.

In this video, Goranson Bain Ausley attorney Ryan Bauerle discusses what to expect from a Zoom mediation.

How Virtual Mediation Works

Virtual mediation has become an increasingly common practice in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many attorneys and clients now prefer to handle mediation meetings virtually due to the convenience and cost-saving benefits. Conducting mediation over video conferencing platforms allows parties to participate from the comfort of their own homes while still maintaining the confidentiality and structure of a traditional mediation setting.

Mediation is a process often required by Courts to aide parties in reaching an agreement. It is a formal settlement conference with all parties, their respective attorneys and a mediator (who is a neutral third party, often a licensed attorney or former Judge that has no connection to the case or parties involved.) The mediation process usually takes the entire business day in which the parties are separated into their separate rooms and the mediator goes back and forth between rooms to relay offers and facilitate the negotiation process. If a settlement is reached in mediation, a written agreement named Mediated Settlement Agreement (“MSA”), will be prepared and signed by everyone before leaving. An MSA is irrevocable once it is signed and the terms contained therein cannot be changed or renegotiated.

When conducting a virtual mediation, each party and their attorney are placed in separate virtual rooms. The mediator moves between these rooms, just as they would in an in-person mediation, ensuring that neither party interacts with the other. This approach maintains a controlled environment, allowing for open and honest discussions without unnecessary conflict.

If an agreement is reached, the mediator will draft a mediated settlement agreement, or MSA, which is then signed electronically using a platform like Docusign. Once signed, the MSA is legally binding and cannot be altered, even by a judge, making virtual mediation just as effective as an in-person process.

Benefits of Virtual Mediation

The benefits of choosing virtual mediation include:

• Cost-Efficiency: Saves on travel expenses and reduces attorney fees
• Convenience: Allows participants to engage from home or a preferred location
• Confidentiality: Private virtual rooms prevent unnecessary interactions between parties
• Accessibility: Ideal for individuals in different locations or with mobility challenges
• Flexibility: Sessions can be scheduled more easily to accommodate all parties involved

Is Virtual Mediation Right for You?

If you are considering divorce mediation but are unsure whether to proceed virtually, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our family law attorneys are here to guide you through the mediation process and help you achieve a fair resolution with minimal stress.

Learn More

Ryan Bauerle practices family law out of a commitment to achieving fair and equitable outcomes while also preserving as much financial stability for clients and their children as possible.

Ryan is highly skilled in contested custody cases and finds deep meaning in working with families and children. He navigates complex situations involves substance abuse, mental health, and special needs issues with compassion and experience. He makes sure his clients always know what the next step is and strives to alleviate their anxieties so they can focus on what is important.

Ryan is Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The process for board certification is demanding and thorough, with strict, ongoing criteria that must be met even after initial certification.

Should you have any questions about virtual mediation, please feel free to contact Ryan at 214-473-9696.