This is a question I often get asked.
And the answer is: it depends.
It depends on where the people are. It could be in Canberra where I live. I have rooms that I can book in Belconnen (see the photo) or in Civic that I feel are safe and comfortable for people experiencing conflict. And sometimes, being in person is really important such as if, when you communicate with each other, you are talking face to face. Such as when you drop the children off at the other parent’s home. Or at events that are important for your children, such as watching them play sport or getting an award.
If you never see each other, and communication is via email or an app, then there are other options for mediation. You can be in separate rooms. This is called a ‘shuttle’ mediation where the mediator moves from room to room and you never see each other. This can be a useful set up where it is not safe to be in the same room.
If you live a long way from each other, then being online in a Zoom meeting, or Teams, etc, may be more appropriate. The mediator may be in the room with you both or can move from room to room in a shuttle format.
If short mediations are needed, then being online may be a quicker way to reach resolution.
Ultimately, the mediator will make the decision as to what location is better, but your preference will be taken into consideration.
And if none of these options are suitable, then your mediator will discuss what the next steps are and can issue a s60i certificate if court is a better option.