Not every couple going through divorce lives near Santa Rosa — and you shouldn't have to. I offer divorce mediation by secure video conference to clients throughout California, using the same process, the same attention, and the same outcome you'd get sitting across the table from me in person.

After more than twenty years in family law, I've found that what makes mediation work isn't the room you're in — it's whether both people are willing to negotiate honestly. Video conferencing removes the barrier of geography without changing anything about how carefully the work gets done.

Online mediation makes sense for a lot of couples: one or both of you may have relocated during separation, you may live in different parts of California, or you may simply prefer the convenience of mediating from home rather than driving to an office. It also works well for military families, couples juggling work travel, and anyone who wants to avoid taking a full day off to attend an in-person session. None of that changes the quality of the process — you still get a structured, confidential mediation with the same legal rigor as an in-person session.

Sessions are held on a secure, encrypted video platform. Before your first session, I'll walk you through how it works and make sure both of you are set up and comfortable with the technology — there's nothing complicated about it. You'll need a computer or smartphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak openly.

From there, the process mirrors in-person mediation exactly: we start with an initial consultation, move through structured sessions to work through the issues in your case, and finish with a written settlement agreement that gets submitted to the court for approval — the same legally binding outcome as any mediated agreement.

What online divorce mediation covers

Online mediation covers the same ground as in-person mediation: property and debt division, spousal support, child custody and parenting plans, child and spousal support. Complex financial matters — business ownership, retirement accounts, real estate — can be handled just as thoroughly online, since documents and financial disclosures are shared securely ahead of each session rather than passed across a table.

How much does online divorce mediation cost?

I won't quote fees here, since every case is different — a straightforward case with few assets looks very different from one involving a business or significant assets. What I can tell you is that online mediation costs the same as in-person mediation; there's no added fee for meeting by video. Sessions are available in half-day and full-day formats, and the cost is shared between both parties rather than paid separately.

For comparison, a contested divorce that goes through the California court system routinely costs each party $15,000 to $30,000 or more in attorney fees, with complex cases running higher still. Mediation — online or in person — is almost always the lower-cost path.

How long does online mediation take?

Most online mediations are resolved in a matter of weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Simple cases with limited assets and no children can sometimes wrap up in two or three sessions. Compare that to a contested divorce in California, which can easily take one to three years from filing to final judgment.

Is online mediation right for you?

Online mediation works when both people are willing to participate honestly — it doesn't require you to be on good terms, and it doesn't require you to live nearby. If you're not sure whether mediation, online or in-person, is the right fit for your situation, I'll tell you honestly in our first conversation.

Contact Us

Serving clients throughout California by video, in addition to in-person sessions in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. To schedule a free consultation, call (707) 525-8800 or email Tidwell@perrylaw.net.