How to Become a Mediator in Tennessee

Mediators in Tennessee are not required to have a license; however, they must be approved by the Tennessee ADRC.

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31, Section 17 sets out the rules and regulations for all types of alternative dispute resolution in the state, including the requirements for becoming a court-approved mediator. In Tennessee, there are two classifications for mediators: mediators for general civil cases and mediators for family law cases. Both mediator divisions have the basic requirements that a person be of good moral character, have a minimum education level of a bachelor's degree, complete a minimum of forty hours in mediation training. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee (ADRC) consists of professionals appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court who oversee the application process for mediators.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to be a mediator for general civil cases or for family law cases. This will be a critical first step in becoming a mediator in Tennessee as the training you need to take is course-specific to each division of mediation. If you decide you want to be dual-listed in the state to negotiate all types of cases, you must take the required coursework for both types of mediation.

2. Visit the Tennessee Judiciary's webpage for alternative dispute resolution to choose a court-approved training course for mediation (see references below). If you are interested in general civil mediation, you must complete a 40-hour general mediation course. Family mediators must also complete a 40-hour training course, as well as six additional hours of training in family law and family court procedures.

3. After you complete the necessary training classes, apply to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee to become a listed mediator. The application is available on the the Tennessee Judiciary website (see references). The application and application fee of $100 must be delivered to:

   Tennessee Supreme Court

   Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission

   Nashville Center, Suite 600

   511 Union Street

   Nashville, TN 37219

Tips & Warnings

• -It is preferred that applicants for family law mediation have a graduate degree and at least four years' work experience in law, social work, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, education, or accounting. Those with a bachelor's degree can apply, but need to have at least 10 years of related work experience in family law mediation. -Those with a bachelor's degree applying for general civil mediation need to have at least six years of practical work experience.

References

• Tennessee Supreme Court: Alternative Dispute Resolution