How To Become a Divorce Mediator | Family Certification

Divorce mediation is one of the most popular alternative dispute resolution methods. On its own or as part of your family law practice, it can be a lucrative and rewarding career path.

Mediators often have education in law, social work or psychology.

Though you don't need to be a lawyer to become a divorce mediator, family law cases tend to have more self-represented clients, so divorce and family mediators may especially benefit from having a solid understanding of the law.

Divorce mediation certification

A divorce mediation certification lets potential clients know you're qualified to handle their divorce case. Certification is required if you want to become a court-certified mediator (more below) but optional for private divorce mediators.

Some certification programs require you to hold a bachelor's degree.

You can earn a divorce mediation certification by enrolling in a training course. In addition to teaching you how to become a divorce mediator, these programs provide networking opportunities. Some professionals take these courses to earn continuing education credits (e.g., MCLE credits for attorneys).

Curriculum varies by program, but they all generally cover:

• The basics and ethics of mediation
• Mediation procedures (e.g., screening clients, drafting documents)
• Technology and software you may need during mediation
• Common divorce, parenting and financial issues
• Divorce, separation and child custody laws and procedures
• Child development
• Negotiation approaches
• Starting a mediation practice
• Setting your rate

Divorce mediation training programs are held online and in person. Online classes are typically hosted through video conferencing software with numerous students and one or more instructors.

As part of your training, you might role-play mediation sessions with your peers. Some courses offer practicums. During a practicum, you'll handle real cases under the supervision of experienced mediators. Another student may comediate the case with you. The practicum will be taped, and you will review the tape with your teachers.

Costs for divorce mediation training courses range from a few hundred dollars to around $2,000. Some programs wrap up in as little as two days, while others last over a week.

After earning a certificate, you can gain experience by volunteering. You'd mediate cases for free through courts, legal aid societies and other organizations. There's typically an application and vetting process to become a volunteer mediator.

Once you're ready, you can start your own mediation practice or join an existing law firm or dispute resolution practice. It can be difficult to attract clients when starting your own practice. Some mediators get their start working as part of a firm and then branch out on their own later. Some divorce mediators also offer divorce coaching services.

Though mediators are not part of collaborative law teams, depending on your professional background, you may enroll in collaborative divorce training so you can offer collaborative services as well.

Family mediation certification

Family mediation certification is similar to divorce mediation certification but has a broader focus.

The term family mediation often refers generally to the mediation of divorce and child custody cases. However, family mediation certification courses should also cover other types of familial disputes, such as disputes between parents and children and ones over elderly family members.

Court-certified divorce mediators

Becoming a court-certified divorce mediator may help you attract clients and keep a steady workflow.

A divorce mediation certification is required if you want to be employed by the court or listed on a roster of mediators the court refers spouses to.

There are several other requirements to become a court-certified divorce mediator, many of which vary based on the court and your professional background. Generally, you must:

• Complete 20 to 40 hours of training through a court-approved program
• Hold a Juris Doctorate (i.e., become a family lawyer) or advanced degree in another field
• Have good standing in your current profession
• Have significant experience dealing with divorce as a mediator, lawyer, counselor, psychologist or other professional
• Mediate a minimum number of cases or for a minimum number of hours

Divorce mediator salary

Salaries for divorce mediators vary based on the mediator's location, experience and number of clients. Annual salaries can range from $50,000 to the low six figures.

Working with child custody as a divorce mediator

When your clients have children under 18, your work as a divorce mediator will take on extra complexity. Your job as a mediator is to help them find common ground that serves their children's interests.

Many divorce mediators use the Custody X Change online app to keep track of clients' current parenting situations and help them plan for the future.

With Custody X Change, divorce mediators can:

• Build thorough parenting plans free of loopholes

  

• Create complete custody schedules in minutes

• Calculate parenting time precisely

  

• And much more

Custody X Change makes your job as a divorce mediator easier and your clients happier.