How to Find a Mediator

Before you make the costly decision of hiring an attorney to resolve a dispute, consider using a mediator. Mediation is a less intimidating alternative to filing a lawsuit. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps the opposing sides reach an agreement or resolution without going to court.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages

1. Stay calm - not the easiest advice to follow when you're in the throes of a dispute, but having your wits about you will help you choose someone who can really help.
2. Categorize your dispute. The law is broken down into many different areas, and you want to find a mediator with the proper experience: landlord/tenant, community, family, criminal or real estate.
3. Pull out the yellow pages. This is a good place to start whether you are looking for a nonprofit community center or a professional mediator. Look under "Mediation" and "Attorneys" for a complete list.
4. Contact your city to find out about low-cost or free services. Check with the mayor's or city manager's office, county law librarian, local police station and small claims clerk at the courthouse.
5. Try your home owners' association, local and state bar associations, or nearby colleges and universities if your city doesn't provide a resource for community mediation.
6. Call your local American Arbitration Association office, and check with the alternative dispute resolution section of your local bar association for a list of qualified professional mediators.
7. Investigate. Once you've discovered the available resources in your area, start to ask questions. If you find one you like, ask about the mediator's training and what he or she charges per hour.

Tips & Warnings

• When a mediator is used, there are no formal rules of evidence or mandatory fines or punishments. As a result, nothing will be imposed upon you without your approval.
• Your local bar association may have an alternative dispute resolution section. This is a great starting point to learn about your mediation options.
• Ask for assistance from your mediator in contacting the other party in the dispute. The mediator has been down this road many times and can help to make it much less bumpy.