Many landlords and tenants alike are facing serious financial strain. While moratoriums have extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still watching their rental debt increase with every passing month. While aid has been established to help the situation, there are certainly shortcomings that still exist, and ones that will reveal themselves when moratoriums begin to lift across the country.

What kinds of information to share or not share, and in what detail - that has always been the question… People have all sorts of opinions about it, and it certainly depends on the subjective circumstances at times. This is a little insight from my observation over the years, including some ways that sharing information at mediation might increase the chances of settlement.

Due to a number of factors, mediation can sometimes fail. While this rarely has to do with the mediator, as the parties are supposed to be making their own decisions when it comes to how they want to settle their disputes, there are some common themes that can quickly contribute to mediation taking a turn for the worse.

Mediation is unique in the way that people who are often on opposing sides of a lawsuit, or have the potential to be, are coming together to propose solutions. The communications that occur with the mediator are then generally inadmissible if the case does not resolve in mediation (including party admissions).

Courts and other programs going virtual will likely be around for some time. There are special programs beginning to appear with different ways to do alternative dispute resolution which have some benefits and some challenges.

In looking at general differences, advantages, and disadvantages to hosting mediation virtually as opposed to in person, Ashley Bourbeau weighs in on if the changes are my here to stay.