VirNet Virtual Mediation · Nationwide

A better way through conflict.

Thoughtful, professional online mediation for families, workplaces, businesses, and organizations. Work with an experienced neutral to clarify the issues, explore your options, and pursue workable agreements.

Online throughout the United StatesNeutral, structured processIn-person by arrangement
Mediation services

Experienced help for consequential conversations.

Every dispute has its own facts, relationships, and priorities. VirNet provides a neutral, organized setting to work through them.

Divorce & family mediation

Work through separation, parenting arrangements, property division, support questions, and other family decisions with dignity and care.

Discuss family mediation

Workplace & employment

Address interpersonal conflict, employment-related disputes, team breakdowns, and difficult transitions through neutral facilitation.

Discuss workplace mediation

Business & contracts

Navigate commercial disagreements, partnership issues, contractual obligations, and negotiations where continued conflict is costly.

Discuss business mediation

Property, HOA & housing

Explore solutions to landlord–tenant concerns, property disagreements, homeowners' association conflicts, and neighborhood disputes.

Discuss property mediation

Education & organizations

Support productive dialogue among schools, boards, leadership teams, colleagues, and other organizational stakeholders.

Discuss organizational mediation

Consulting & conflict coaching

Strengthen communication, identify sources of impasse, and develop constructive strategies for managing difficult conversations.

Ask about consulting
Why online mediation?

The right people in the conversation. Without the travel.

Virtual mediation allows people in different cities, states, or workplaces to participate in a structured negotiation without being in the same building.

Convenient participation

Meet remotely from an appropriate private location using a familiar video-conferencing platform.

Flexible joint and separate meetings

The mediator can organize conversations together or separately as circumstances warrant.

Focus on substance

Reduce travel and scheduling friction so attention stays on the decisions that matter.

In-person options when appropriate

For matters that benefit from an in-person setting, availability and logistics can be discussed during intake.

The people behind VirNet

Experienced professionals. A more personal approach.

Mediation is built on trust. Meet the professionals who create a structured, respectful space to explore options and move difficult conversations forward.

Legal experience, academic training, and years spent facilitating difficult discussions inform our work—while neutrality and participant choice remain central to every mediation.

Founder & Principal Mediator

Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker

Attorney, educator, and mediator whose practice draws on civil rights administration, workplace dispute resolution, negotiation, and organizational leadership. Ben emphasizes thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and durable, participant-driven agreements.

J.D. · Ph.D. · Mediation & ADR educator

Read Ben's background
Lead Mediator

Joshua B. Holmstead, Esq.

Attorney and bilingual mediator who helps individuals, families, and businesses work through emotionally charged and complex disputes. Josh brings a calm, practical approach to communication, negotiation, and the development of workable agreements.

J.D. · Family & civil mediation · Spanish-speaking

Read Josh's background
Client Lead Specialist & Mediator

Virginia Earwicker, B.S., CPM

Virginia Earwicker is a Certified Professional Mediator with a background in psychology and graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling. As Client Lead Specialist and Mediator, she helps individuals and families navigate difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and thoughtful guidance. Virginia brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to mediation, emphasizing trust, communication, and practical resolution.

B.S. · Certified Professional Mediator · Client Intake & Mediation

Read Virginia's background
Client experiences

A space to be heard.

Every mediation is different. These comments reflect individual experiences—not a promise of any particular result.

“We did mediation for a family law/custody dispute. This was a complex case with lots of issues and additional third parties. Ben navigated the issues well, making each side feel heard and respected. It took a long time (because of the contentious nature of the matter, not Ben’s services), but we eventually came to an agreement. We could not have done this without Ben!”
Akemi · Texas
“I don’t usually leave reviews but felt compelled to do so after working with VirNet. Finding VirNet as a mediator for our divorce was a godsend. I spoke with many lawyers and mediators prior to finding Ben & Josh and none came close to their level of excellence (even ones that charge 3 x more). Their responsiveness, thoughtfulness, fairness and ability to find common ground and creative solutions to disagreements are all second to none. They made both of us feel heard and even when I thought a negotiation or agreement was doomed to fail, he came up with a plan or idea that worked for both of us and we finalized our divorce quickly and fairly. I could go on but suffice to say, if you’re considering mediation services (better than going to court) and you’ve come across VirNet, consider yourself lucky, do yourself a favor, and hire the firm.”
Justin · Washington, D.C.
Our mediation process

A clear process. Your decisions.

The mediator guides the conversation, helps participants explore interests and options, and supports careful documentation when agreements are reached.

01

Initial conversation

We learn about your situation, discuss suitability and logistics, and identify a practical starting point.

02

Preparation & mediation

Participants share relevant information and priorities. The mediator facilitates discussion and negotiation, often using separate virtual rooms when useful.

03

Next steps & agreements

Where agreements are reached, the terms can be documented for participants and any independent counsel to review. No settlement is guaranteed.

Mediation is voluntary unless required by a court order or other governing arrangement. A mediator does not act as an attorney for either participant or decide the dispute.

Professional mediator education

Learn to guide better conversations.

Explore VirNet's 40-hour online foundational mediation training, developed for professionals seeking practical conflict-resolution skills and a deeper understanding of the mediation process.

Choose from self-directed coursework, directed feedback, or a premium learning option with individualized instruction.

A course completion certificate does not by itself establish eligibility for a state court roster or professional license. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and program.

Online • Foundational

40 hours of mediation training

Structured learning for real-world conversations.

    • Core mediation principles and ethics

    • Listening, reframing, and negotiation skills

    • Managing conflict and impasse

    • Three instructional enrollment options

Client experiences

A respectful environment matters.

Every mediation is different. These comments reflect individual experiences—not a promise of any particular result.

“I appreciate VirNet's support in our mediation process. Josh took the time to check in with us along the way and was very kind and encouraging in the process. I felt heard for the first time.”
Christine · California · Family mediation
“Ben did incredible work in helping us lay out a settlement agreement for our divorce. He was relaxed, and incredibly friendly, which took away a lot of the stress and anxiety. Ben was always eager to answer questions, and if he was unsure of something, he would research it and come back to us with the accurate information. I absolutely would recommend Ben to anyone looking for online mediation services!”
De'Sha · Missouri
Frequently asked questions

Common questions about virtual mediation.

Is online mediation available if the parties live in different states?

Often, yes. Virtual meetings can accommodate participants in different locations. We consider the type of dispute, relevant law or court requirements, scheduling, and any other limitations before agreeing to mediate.

Does the mediator decide who is right?

No. A mediator is a neutral facilitator, not a judge or arbitrator. The participants make their own decisions about whether and how to resolve the dispute.

Do I need an attorney to participate?

Not always. Parties can participate with or without counsel, depending on the matter. Because the mediator does not represent either side, participants are encouraged to seek independent legal advice when appropriate.

Will we have to speak together in the same virtual room?

Not necessarily. The mediator may use joint sessions, separate private meetings, or a combination of both depending on the circumstances and participants' needs.

How much does mediation cost?

Costs depend on the mediator, the issues, the number of participants, and the work required. Contact VirNet for current rates and a matter-specific estimate before committing to services.

Take the next step

Ready for a constructive conversation?

Tell us a little about your situation. We'll discuss whether mediation may be an appropriate fit, availability, and anticipated next steps.

Call or text: (206) 569-5582