Online Shuttle Mediation Guide-

Shuttle mediation is a form of mediation where the participants do not meet face to face. Instead, the mediator moves (“shuttles”) between them by speaking to each

During the initial 1on1 pre-mediation meetings (known as a MIAM – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) the family mediator will usually assess whether shuttle mediation is appropriate.

How it works

1. All mediation participants must agree to use Shuttle mediation.
2. During the 2 hour shuttle mediation session, the mediator meets with each person separately on the screen.
3. No one else can attend with each participant unless everyone agrees.
4. The mediator will do their best to spread the time equally between the participants but this is not always possible.
5. The conversation with each participant will be shared by the mediator. The mediator cannot be asked to hold secrets.
6. Each person explains their thinking and approach including concerns, priorities and any settlement proposals they would like to explore.
7. The mediator carries information and options between the participants to explore together.
8. The mediator helps identify common ground and explores each person’s thinking and approach with them.
9. If agreement is reached, it is summarised in writing after the mediation session.

When shuttle mediation is used

It is particularly suitable where:

• There is a high level of conflict or hostility.
• One person feels intimidated or unsafe meeting the other.
• There has been domestic abuse or coercive behaviour (although mediation may not always be appropriate in such cases).
• Emotions are likely to prevent productive discussion.
• The participants simply prefer not to negotiate directly.

Disadvantages

• It takes longer than face to face online mediation session.
• It is more expensive because of the additional time it takes.
• It is generally less successful than face to face online mediation.
• There is less opportunity to rebuild communication or understanding between the parties.
• Messages can sometimes lose nuance when relayed through the mediator.
• Even with an experienced mediator, messages may lose some of their tone, emotion or nuance when passed from one person to the other. This can sometimes lead to confusion or unnecessary tension.
• In face to face mediation, participants can observe each other’s body language and responses, which can help build empathy or indicate flexibility. Shuttle mediation removes these communication cues.
• Keeping participants apart can sometimes entrench an “us versus them” mindset rather than encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
• Joint discussions often allow ideas to develop naturally through conversation. Shuttle mediation tends to focus more on exchanging offers than brainstorming solutions together.
• Waiting while the mediator is with the other person can create anxiety or frustration, particularly if discussions take several hours.
• While it can achieve a settlement, shuttle mediation may not improve the relationship between the parties. This can be a disadvantage where ongoing cooperation is required, as in parenting arrangements or family businesses.

Advantages

• Helps each person to manage strong emotional triggers, reducing confrontation and emotional stress.
• Enables each person to think more clearly.
• Allows each person to speak more openly.
• Can help achieve settlement where face-to-face meetings would fail.
• Provides time to reflect before responding to options.

Is it legally binding?

The mediation process itself is not legally binding. ONLY a judge can make a legally binding order. However:

• Financial agreements reached in mediation can be turned into a Consent Order, which becomes legally binding once approved by the court.
• Agreements about children can also be formalised if necessary, although many parents follow mediated agreements without a court order.

Shuttle mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes while avoiding the stress, cost and delay of court proceedings.