How to Become a Mediator in Ontario

Mediators help parties reach a decision and avoid drawn-out court hearings.

According to Mediate.com, mediation is a type of "assisted negotiation." The process is used heavily in areas such as commercial law and family law. During mediation parties involved in a legal dispute -such as parents who cannot agree on child visitation arrangements- meet with a mediator to discuss the issue. The mediator is a neutral third-party who helps facilitate discussions. In Ontario no formal credentials are required to work as a mediator. Many mediation organizations exist in Ontario, however, and a person serious about mediating in Ontario should consider joining one of these organization.

Instructions

1. Have a good personal reputation and a clean criminal record. Mediation associations in Ontario, such as the Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Ontario, Inc., require members to be "of good character."

2. Take classes in commercial contract law, negotiations, and family law. This will provide you with a solid background to draw upon during your mediation sessions.

3. Research mediation groups in Ontario and sign up for any required coursework offered by the organization of your choice. While Ontario's government does not require any formal coursework or training to be a mediator in Ontario, mediation firms provide clients with a list of mediators; the only way to be on the list is by taking all training and coursework required by the organization and getting approved.

References

• Conrad Grebel University College: Certificate Program in Conflict Management
• Ontario Association of Family Mediation: Benefits of OAFM Membership
• Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Ontario, Inc: Becoming an AMIC Member
• Mediation.com: What is mediation?