Mediation Session Formats & Consultation
Mediation Session Formats & Consultation Options
Every mediation, coaching, or consulting service at Common Ground can be delivered in the format that actually fits your situation, whether that's a quick discovery call, a fully virtual process, an in-person meeting, or a shuttle format where parties never share a room. Here's how each option works.
When parents genuinely disagree about custody or visitation, California law requires mediation before a judge will hear the dispute. Common Ground Mediation gives San Diego parents a private, structured space to try to resolve a contested custody or visitation issue directly, on your own terms, before it reaches a courtroom.
- 100% Confidential
- Virtual & In-Person
- Pepperdine MDR Trained
$375
Per hour · No retainer required
Consultation & Discovery Calls
Every service at Common Ground begins with a free, no-pressure consultation call. This isn't a sales pitch, it's a genuine conversation where Nicole listens to your situation, answers your questions, and helps you determine whether mediation, coaching, or another service is the right fit before you commit to anything. No retainer is required for this call, and there's no obligation to continue afterward.
Virtual Mediation Sessions via Zoom
Most Common Ground services can be conducted entirely online via Zoom, available to clients throughout San Diego and across California. Virtual sessions offer the same structure and confidentiality as in-person meetings, with the added flexibility of not needing to coordinate travel or shared physical space, which can be especially useful for high-conflict situations or clients with scheduling constraints.
In-Person Mediation Sessions
For clients who prefer face-to-face conversation, in-person sessions are available in San Diego. Some clients find that being in the same room supports a more natural conversation, particularly for family or relationship-focused sessions. Location details are confirmed during scheduling.
Shuttle Mediation / Separate Room Mediation
For situations where being in the same room isn't productive or safe, whether due to high conflict, a strained relationship, or personal comfort, sessions can be conducted in a shuttle format. Each party is in a separate space, physically or via separate virtual sessions, and Nicole moves between them, relaying and facilitating communication without either party needing to be present with the other. This format is used most often in high-conflict cases but is available for any service where it would help.
Choosing the Right Format for Your Situation
There's no wrong choice; the right format depends on your situation.
Virtual sessions work well when:
you're managing a busy schedule, located outside San Diego, or simply prefer the convenience of meeting from home.
In-person sessions work well when
you find face-to-face conversation easier, or the subject matter benefits from being in the same room together.
Shuttle mediation works well when
the conflict is high enough that a joint session isn't likely to be productive, or safety and comfort are a concern.
Nicole will help you decide the right format during your free consultation, and formats can be adjusted between sessions if your needs change.
Try to resolve this before it becomes a courtroom fight. Let's change that.
FAQs About Mediation Session Formats
Can we switch formats partway through the process?
Yes. Many clients start with one format and adjust as the situation evolves, for example, moving from joint virtual sessions to a shuttle format if a specific topic becomes more difficult to discuss together.
Is virtual mediation as effective as in-person?
Yes. Virtual sessions follow the same structure, confidentiality, and neutrality as in-person sessions. The right format is about what works best for your situation and comfort, not effectiveness.
Does the free consultation call commit us to anything?
No. The consultation call is free and no-pressure, meant to help you understand your options and whether Common Ground is the right fit. There's no obligation to continue.
Is shuttle mediation only used for high-conflict cases?
It's most common in high-conflict situations, but any client can request a shuttle format if it would make the process more comfortable or productive.
Do all services offer all four formats?
Most services can be delivered in any of these formats. A few, like group workshops, are typically delivered virtually or in person rather than as a shuttle format. Nicole will confirm what's available for your specific service during your consultation.