Global Mediation Initiatives: online e-mediation over the internet.

FAQ -Frequently Asked Questions:

QUESTION: Will there be any additional costs to use on-line mediation?

ANSWER: Yes and no. No, because you will not have to pay any additional costs to Ms. Cole as a mediator when you use on-line mediation, except for her normal and regular mediation rates. You can request this information by calling the Law Offices of Lynn Cole, P.A. at 813-223-7009 or by email to adr@lynncole.com. In fact, if you are using telephone mediation, you will not even need to pay the costs of long distance telephone charges. You will be using the internet through your computer to talk, which why this virtual mediation can include participants from anywhere in the US or in the world where there is an internet. However, if you receive training on how to use online mediation, there will be an extra, one-time-only charge and that charge depends on whether you are trained virtually or on-site and how many persons are trained at one time. There is an additional charge of $50.00 for the mediation concierge services at the beginning of each mediation session.

QUESTION: Will I have to buy anything for my computer to participate in on-line mediation?

ANSWER: Perhaps. Many folks now have computers with a video built and a microphone built into their computer. But, if you don't have those devices in your computer, you'll have to purchase a video cam and a head set, both for usually under $100.00. If you are the attorney in mediation and want to share documents, such as a settlement agreement, you'll need a scanner. You'll be downloading a small software program you can re-use for online mediation and this is at no additional cost. For any computer or equipment questions, you can call Cory Maston at 813-230-3698 or visit www.CPRTampa.com or email him at cmaston@coryspcrescue.com.

QUESTION: To use Online or eMediation, must you use Lynn Cole as your mediator?

ANSWER: Obviously, Lynn Cole would prefer that you use her as your mediator. However, who you select as your mediator is always the choice of the parties who have to agree upon the selection of the mediator. However, if you have another mediator you wish to use, please feel free to have that mediator contact Lynn Cole to discuss how that mediator can use Ms. Cole's technology and program.

QUESTION: To I have to be good at using the computer to use Online Mediation?

ANSWER: No. Training is simple and straightforward for the user (mediation participant) of this software. The mediator controls the software during the mediation, during caucuses and when preparing and signing documents. This is especially true if you are the party in mediation. Your attorney will have to understand how to use a scanner and some simple procedures in order to prepare documents for the mediation.

QUESTION: What if we have a mediation with three or more parties; can we still use eMediation?

ANSWER: Yes. It is simpler with one plaintiff and the attorney and one defendant and the attorney. But, with just a little more planning, additional parties can be accommodated.

QUESTION: How do I get the computer accessories you talk about on your website?

ANSWER: The head set and the video cam can be purchased from any store. But, CPRTampa has made arrangements for equipment to be ordered on line and sent to you at competitive costs with full warranties. You can discuss this and any other equipment questions you have with him by calling him at 813-230-3698 or you can email him at c cmaston@coryspcrescue.com.

QUESTION: Is virtual online mediation secure and confidential?

ANSWER: Yes. The web platform that Lynn Cole uses is encrypted and confidential. No persons other than the mediator, the participants, and, before the mediation begins (but NOT after), the Mediation Concierge, can gain access to the session. No records are kept of the any of the mediation discussions. If you want additional information on security of the process, please contact the Law Offices of Lynn Cole at adr@lynncole.com for a "white paper" with a full discussion on the security of the system.