If you’re a couple considering divorce or other family separation matters, mediation can provide a quicker and less expensive resolution than going to court. But, not all mediators are the same, and finding the right one can be difficult. To help you, we have compiled this article with tips for how to find mediators near you.
Start by learning about good mediator qualifications. Once you know what to look for, create a list of mediators who meet your criteria and are available. Then, schedule initial meetings with the mediators on your list. This step is especially important if you have children, as you’ll want to choose a mediator who understands your unique situation and can work with you to come up with a plan that puts the best interests of your kids first.
Ask for recommendations from a trusted source, such as your family law attorney or a friend who has used mediation in their own divorce or custody case. Similarly, you could ask your local courthouse to give you the names of mediators who regularly work on court-ordered mediations. Those mediators often have private practices, as well, so they may be willing to take on your case.
Your state’s court administration office might also maintain a list of approved mediators. Check the office’s website to see if it provides this information, or give them a call. Lastly, consider checking out national and state mediation organizations and directories. The Academy of Professional Family Mediators and the National Association of Community Mediators are just a few of the many options available.
You can also search for mediators through an online mediator directory that allows you to filter by state, county, practice area and even mediator type (e.g., domestic violence). You can also use a zip code radius search to narrow your search even further.
In addition, some communities and organizations offer free or low-cost mediation for matters involving families, such as child custody and parenting disputes. These are sometimes called community dispute resolution services or family justice centers, and they can be a great resource for anyone in need of a mediation.
Some couples, particularly those who have children, are required to participate in mediation before going to trial on issues related to their divorce or separation. In those cases, the court will usually refer the parties to a mediator for a child custody/parenting case or a property division/divorce mediation.
Although many divorce mediations result in a settlement, it’s not uncommon for some unresolved issues to be left for further negotiations or to go to trial. For that reason, it’s important to discuss with your spouse whether you both think that you need to have all of your mediation sessions completed before proceeding to court. mediators near me