Jane is happy to travel to a mediation venue of the parties choosing. It can often be very helpful to hold the mediation ‘in person’, in other words where those involved in the dispute are physically in the same building, rather than ‘on line’. The parties themselves may prefer to hold the mediation ‘in person’ and Jane enjoys meeting those involved in this way.

In the case of boundary or right of way disputes (or similar), it can be particularly helpful to see the property in question. Whilst photos and videos are useful, in Jane’s experience, there is nothing quite like being at the site to understand the perspective and proportions involved. One option is for a site inspection to be arranged beforehand and for the mediation itself to be help at a separate venue such as solicitors’ offices.

Jane includes travel time in her standard fee if travel to the mediation venue is an hour or so. If further afield, there may be an extra charge. Jane would discuss with the parties the merits of an ‘in person’ mediation and is happy to fit in with their preference.

An alternative to an ‘in person’ mediation is to hold the mediation on line. This might be using Zoom or Teams. This has grown in use over the last few years and it’s probably fair to say, many have been surprised by how effective such mediations are.

‘On line’ mediations are particularly helpful where those involved are based a long way apart, perhaps at opposite ends of the country or even in different countries. Or where one or more of the parties is unable to travel, perhaps due to mobility issues.

Remote platforms such as Zoom and Team can replicate physical mediations, in that different parties can be allocated different ‘rooms’. This is so that they have their own space and can hold private and confidential discussions with their advisers. They can also be brought together in one ‘room’ if this is desired.