Tips for Choosing a Mediator If you want to hire a neutral third-party to negotiate your divorce, it is important that you find someone who is compatible and qualified. Use these guidelines to find a mediator best suited to your needs and budget.

You may want to avoid mediators who:

• Have reputations for favoring men
• Have strong relationships with your husband, his family or business partners
• Have less than 10 years of mediation experience
• Have less than five years of divorce mediation experience
• Have less than 40 hours of mediation training
• Aren’t familiar with the family laws in your state
• Don’t handle child custody and support issues (if applicable)
• Were overbearing, impatient or distracted during interviews
• Used language you didn’t understand and were confusing
• Charge fees you can’t afford
• Refused to give you a written retainer agreement
• Made you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about their competence

• Has a reputation for being well-liked and respected
• Has more than 10 years of mediation experience
• Has more than five years of divorce mediation experience
• Has more than 40 hours of mediation training
• Is familiar with the family laws in your state
• Has special skills and expertise to handle issues in your case
• Has a mediation practice dedicated completely, or almost completely, to divorce matters
• Successfully mediates a majority of his or her clients’ divorce issues
• Gives you undivided attention during the initial meeting
• Is a good listener and treated each of your concerns with respect
• Explains things to you in a language you understand
• Charges fees you can reasonably afford
• Makes you feel comfortable and confident

This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce.

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