Rapid Ruling Online Mediation Services
With the rise in technological use and the COVID-19 pandemic, online mediation is becoming a preferred alternative dispute resolution mechanism. It offers a quick, safe, affordable, and effective avenue to resolve disputes without filing matters through traditional face-to-face court. Online Mediation and Arbitration have made it possible to resolve disputes online without appearing in person. This ADR frees up the time of all parties involved, making it cost-effective by not having to appear in a courtroom using online software. Our software also allows you to upload multiple types of evidence, such as documents, photos, or videos, from any PC, tablet, or mobile device, which is convenient for all parties.
In this article, we’ll explore online mediation and what it entails to understand it better if you wish to pursue this conflict resolution mechanism.
What is Online Mediation?
Online mediation is a voluntary dispute resolution method that leverages technology to simplify the process. It is an entirely automated process that gathers information and delivers the final verdict through a computerized process.
There is minimal physical interaction between the mediating parties unless they agree beforehand.
During its initiation, the online mediation process mainly relied on phone calls and text-based communication through emails. However, in the wake of video conferencing technology such as Zoom, disputing parties can communicate in real-time and benefit from video and audio caucus.
Virtual or online mediation is when all parties to a dispute attend a conference call (via video conference) to settlement agreement/resolve their dispute. The mediator guides the discussion, allowing the mediator to encourage the parties to come to a mutually beneficial agreement that satisfies everyone.
What Does Online Mediation Entail?
- File Your Case After disputing parties agree on an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) solution to their problem, they submit their case online with relevant documents and evidence supporting their claims.
- Online Hearing The parties will have a hearing scheduled under the supervision of a qualified arbitrator. They can choose their preferred medium, either video or audio call. The arbitrator will listen to both sides of the story in the hearing and ask relevant questions based on their statements and presented evidence.
- Decision The appointed unbiased mediator gives their verdict a few weeks after listening to the case. The decision is a legally binding verdict based on the evidence-based grievances presented by the disputing parties and marks the end of the virtual mediation. The parties decide on the online joint session to receive the verdict. The process is straightforward. You only need a stable internet connection and a functioning laptop or smartphone.
How It Works
apid Ruling is an online dispute resolution platform. We offer parties to resolve a dispute in weeks instead of months or years with traditional courts and are 100% online. We resolve your dispute by having a professional Arbitrator hear both parties, review their evidence, and render a decision.
- Submit Your Case
Gather your documents, photos, videos, and other evidence. Upload the files to our secure server, describe your claim, and identify the responding party.
- Online Mediation Hearing
The hearing will either be a live phone call or a video hearing. Your Arbitrator will first ask both sides to tell their story. Then the Arbitrator will ask detailed questions to both parties based on the statements and evidence.
- Decision
Your Mediator will issue a decision within weeks of filing a claim, not years. This decision is legally binding and enforceable.
How Long Does Online Mediation Take?
It is hard to quantify the amount of time online mediation takes since no two cases are identical. However, the process is faster than litigation.
Ideally, online mediation involves a few sessions scheduled according to the participating parties’ convenience. The process begins with a short session that takes roughly half an hour, whereby the participants are sensitized to the mediation process.
At the end of the session, the mediator and the parties schedule subsequent sessions to hear the matter at hand.
In most cases, online mediation takes around three 2-hour sessions. Therefore, the process could take about one to three months before a verdict. Nonetheless, it could take longer, depending on the issue in contention.
Why Mediation Over Litigation?
With a mediation session, dispute resolution comes rapidly and inexpensively compared to litigation. According to the American Bar Association, there is an 80% agreement rate when choosing mediation practice over litigation, suggesting that the parties involved are likely to remain satisfied. Also, a court case may take years to come to completion, and in that time, fees and bills quickly mount up.
Online Dispute Resolution is a type of alternative dispute resolution in which people with a dispute communicate online to resolve a conflict. With ODR, individuals have the power to develop solutions that meet the expectations and needs of both parties using new technologies.
ODR services range from online arbitration to fully automated arbitration proceedings, helping a wide range of service providers and making its functionality outstanding. The preference for the appropriate ODR platform depends on the nature of the conflict and the parties involved. ODR procedures should also be convenient for the parties and not be of accessibility concerns with the use of technology.
Why Choose Rapid Ruling?
Convenience. Taking your dispute to court, you’ll have to take time off work or step away from your business or family to drive down to the court, wait for your case to be called, dispute your claim, and go back. If you want to get a witness to join you, they’ll face the same bothers. With Rapid Ruling, our Hearings are short and online practice from wherever you or your witness might be.
Rapid Results. You can get a decision in as little as weeks from the date both parties agree to use our service. The court can take approximately 2-3 months, if not longer!
Comfort. You don’t have to learn the rules of court or get in front of a crowded courtroom. Our Arbitrators are highly qualified and unbiased but not intimidating.
Quality. We’ll spend more time on your matter than a court judge, with high-quality Arbitrators happy to listen to your claim thoroughly. Court judges typically spend 10-15 minutes on each matter. We’ll spend 60-90 minutes on each matter, so you can be confident you will be heard.
Role of the Mediator and What does a Mediator Do?
Mediation gives the decision power to all parties. The mediator does not decide what “fair” or “right” is and does not blame nor generate an opinion on success if the case were to be prosecuted. Instead, the mediator acts as a neutral third party attempting to bring all parties together by defining issues and eliminating communication barriers while moderating and navigating the process to evade conflict and ill will.
Post Mediation
Mediation gives the decision power to all parties. The mediator does not decide what “fair” or “right” is and does not blame nor generate an opinion on success if the case were to be prosecuted. Instead, the mediator acts as a neutral third party attempting to bring all parties together by defining issues and eliminating communication barriers while moderating and navigating the process to evade conflict and ill will.
What Cases Are Resolved Through Online Mediation?
Any case whose resolution through alternative dispute mechanisms is allowed is subject to online mediation. The list includes various non-criminal matters and other family law issues. However, some mild criminal cases, such as harassment, can be taken through mediation works.
Final Thoughts
Online mediation is a great way to resolve disputes and avoid lengthy court processes. It guarantees rapid results at greater convenience than traditional court proceedings.
You don’t have to travel miles to meet a mediator and parties to the mediation. You can attend the proceedings remotely from a convenient location.
We Quickly Decide Disputes With Ease
Resolve your dispute with RapidRuling in 4 easy steps!
Begin your online arbitration or mediation by visiting our eFile Portal, where you can submit your case.
The opposing party will receive notice from Rapid Ruling of the claim and shall respond within the time period, if any, specified.
We’ll spend more time on your matter than a court judge, with high-quality Arbitrators who are happy to listen to your claim thoroughly.
Your Arbitrator will issue an award within weeks of filing a claim, not years. This decision is legally binding and enforceable.
