How to Become a Divorce Mediator in Massachusetts

Mediators can help divorcing couples reach an amicable agreement.

Divorce can be an emotionally wrenching and costly event. In order to minimize the expense and trauma of divorce, many couples chose mediation to help them reach agreements on support, custody and other contentious issues. A trained mediator can guide couples through the process of reaching an agreement with a minimum of emotion. In Massachusetts, the Chief Justice for Administration and Management has established guidelines for the training of professional mediators, including divorce mediators. Mediators, also called alternative dispute resolution providers (ADRs), must meet these qualifications to be approved to provide court-approved mediation services.

Instructions

1. Gain a master's degree in law, dispute resolution, or a mental health field. This is not an absolute requirement for becoming a mediator, but many mediation training courses and certification programs require either a master's degree or previous experience in a related area.

2. Undergo a basic mediation training course approved by the Massachusetts Chief Justice for Administration and Management. These courses are 30 hours long and include instruction in the theory of mediation, mediation techniques, drafting, confidentiality and standards.

3. Take a specialized course in divorce mediation. These courses provide 60 hours of training in areas such as tax consideration, retirement plans, insurance, budgets, child development, family dynamics, Massachusetts law and domestic violence.

4. Obtain a job as a divorce mediator with one of the Massachusetts court-approved ADR providers. You'll begin by working under the supervision of a fully-certified mediator.

5. Gain certification from a court-approved organization such as the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation (mcfm.org). This isn't necessary for practicing as a divorce mediator, but it'll help you to become court approved. Certification generally requires mediation experience and submission of Separation Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding that you have prepared as a mediator.

References

• Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation: Divorce Mediation
• DivorceNet: Massachusetts Mediator Certification FAQ's
• Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation: Standards and Certification
• Mediation Training Institute: State Requirements for Mediators
• Massachusetts Chief Justice for Administration and Management:The Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution

Resources

• Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
• Massachusetts Court System: Alternative Dispute Resolution: Local Dispute Resolution Coordinators