Are there Official Guidelines for Becoming a Mediator?The answer to this depends on your state¿s laws. Many states, such as California and Oregon, do not have official requirements to become a private mediator. Still, most states do require that potential mediators complete court-run training programs to qualify for placement on the lists of approved mediators that courts keep. How Can I Find a Mediator?If a court has ordered mediation for your case, you can select your mediator from a list of approved mediators kept by the court. If you are seeking mediation on your own, you can select a mediator either from a referral service or from the lists kept by the court. Additionally, there are groups of retired judges such as JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service) that are available for mediation. What Should I Ask a Mediator Before Retaining One? Before deciding if a mediator is right for your situation, you should ask several questions. These include: - How long he or she has been practicing
- What mediation training he or she has undertaken
- What his or her success rate is for mediation
- Whether he or she has successfully mediated a case like yours
Do I Need a Lawyer to Find a Mediator?Before hiring a mediator it may be wise to consult an experienced family lawyer. A family lawyer can help you decide if mediation is the right solution for your problem. A family attorney can also represent you in court if you decide against mediation. |
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