Top 10 Tips for Choosing A Divorce Mediator
- What are your goals? Do you need help agreeing to the terms of your divorce and getting them finalized (pre-decree mediation), or do you need guidance for disagreements that have occurred after the divorce (post-decree mediation)? Once you understand your goals, make sure that the mediator handles these types of disputes.
- The mediator should have a significant amount of experience in mediation. If mediation is the mediator’s primary source of income, you will likely achieve better results.
- The personality of the mediator should complement yours. You should feel comfortable confiding in and discussing the personal details of your marriage with this person.
- The mediator should also have extensive experience in family law issues.
- Ask the mediator what percentage of family law cases have resolved during mediation. The higher the percentage, the better your chances are of settling.
- How does the mediator handle perceived impasses during the session? Ask the mediator how they have encouraged parties to overcome their differences when a settlement seemed unlikely. Might they separate parties to meet privately?
- Seek recommendations for mediators from your community. Study each mediator’s website to get an understanding for their services.
- Ask each mediator how their billing procedures work and how much you can expect to pay for your mediation sessions. Ask whether the mediator takes a retainer or hourly for each session. The mediator’s rates will have to work for both you and your spouse.
- Ask the mediator about his style: does he mostly encourage the parties to decide their issues, or does he inform the parties of the legal implications of their settlement terms?
- How many continuing education courses on mediation does the mediator attend per year?