A How-To Guide on Choosing the Best Divorce Mediator for You

On Behalf of | Aug 13, 2018 | Divorce |

You want a divorce, and you’ve decided to mediate. As you probably know, choosing the mediation route is only a small part of the overall divorce process. Now, you need to figure out how to find a divorce mediator who is competent, qualified, and accessible.

Because the mediator that you hire to guide you through the divorce process is just as important as the decision to use mediation itself, understanding what criteria to apply when evaluating the qualifications of a mediator is vital to partnering with the best-fit mediator for you. This post describes how to find the right divorce mediator.

Choosing the right mediator is vital to ensuring your divorce is emotionally and financially successful. A qualified mediator will know how to navigate unique situations for thorough agreements and settlements that will help you avoid conflict in the future. Here are five steps to finding the right mediator.

Finding the right qualifications to look for and questions to ask

Be sure to ask your mediator the right questions to ensure the individual has the qualifications you’re looking for. Delve into topics concerning training, experience, financial acumen, case resolution rate, philosophy/approach, and anything else you feel pertains to your situation. Be sure to ask specific questions as a way to avoid receiving general responses or broad-based information.

Here are some examples of essential considerations and why.

WHAT IS THE MEDIATOR’S STYLE, PHILOSOPHY, AND APPROACH TO MEDIATION?

Superior divorce mediators are dexterous in employing a variety of styles; they know how/when to apply and customize their approach based on a couple’s unique interpersonal dynamic.

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DOES THE MEDIATOR HAVE, SPECIFICALLY WITH DIVORCE CASES?

Mediators handle all sorts of disputes, from civil and business matters to family-oriented and child-related issues. Some divide their time between all types of mediation. With ever-changing laws, guidelines, and approaches – regarding the way State-specific divorce issues are addressed – it’s essential to ensure your mediator has sufficient experience and knowledge about divorce-related issues.

WHAT DOES THE MEDIATOR DO TO STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THEIR PROFESSION?

The divorce landscape is multifaceted and always changing. Seek out a mediator who stays on top of the latest trends/news; his or her educational efforts and involvement in the professional community will typically coincide with respected authority from clients and other professionals.

While some mediators are attorneys or retired Judges specializing in the law, others are mental health professionals that focus on the more emotional or personal side. Investigate the practice that your mediator has, and check to determine if he or she is experienced in the type of approach you’re looking for.

Find Mediators That Practice Near You

Make sure the mediators you’re looking for practice near you. It’s important to find someone who is in-state to reduce unnecessary expenses or travel time. You can ask people you know, conduct internet research, or keep an eye out for local advertisements in your area.

Your attorney can also offer suggestions for who he or she feels will be a good fit to mediate the unresolved issues in your divorce.

DO FURTHER RESEARCH TO CREATE A SHORT LIST OF MEDIATORS FOR YOU

After narrowing down mediators who seem to be a good fit and are in-range, create a short list. Closely evaluate individual traits and credibility to determine which mediators could benefit your situation and best match your style.

For example, if you own a home, are self-employed, have retirement accounts or lots of debt, you’ll likely pair best with a mediator who has a strong financial background. A good mediator understands the complexity of family relations and prioritizes fairness and ease of resolution.

SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST INTERVIEWS

Meet individually with those who made it to your short list. Whether over the phone or in-person, it’s important to talk to the mediators as a way to confirm the information you’ve gathered and to look into extra details that you may not have listed or are perhaps more personally-oriented.

Keep in mind that some mediators have fees for the initial meetings and some do not. Generally, this doesn’t reflect on their quality or professionalism, but it is something that you should be aware of when interviewing potential mediators.

PULLING THE TRIGGER

Look back on all you’ve done so far, with particular attention to the initial interviews, and decide upon your mediator of choice. Be sure that the individual is best for you and your family, and be sure to put emphasis on the most significant priorities before looking into the nitty-gritty details. Find the professional who can make the process as relaxed and comfortable for you as possible.

Finding the right mediator may take time and effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Thankfully, Gagne, Mc Chrystal, De Lorenzo and Burghardt Family Law Experts can make this search easy. Gagne, Mc Chrystal, De Lorenzo and Burghardt has qualified, experienced mediators for all situations and families. Both as advocates and mediators, the professionals at Gagne, Mc Chrystal, De Lorenzo and Burghardt are dedicated to helping clients communicate and resolve their issues to reach the best results for all parties involved. If you are navigating divorce and chose the route of mediation, contact the attorney at Gagne, Mc Chrystal, De Lorenzo and Burghardt Family Law today.