"What training does someone need to become a divorce mediator? What should I know about a divorce mediator before choosing one?"

Most divorce and family mediators have completed a divorce and family-mediation training course. Many divorce mediators apprentice with other mediators or obtain supervision of other mediators for a time after they complete their basic training. Professional mediators generally pursue additional training in the substantive issues of separation and divorce. Most mediators bring years of relevant professional experience to their practice.

You should approach hiring a divorce mediator just like you would any other professional, such as a physician, lawyer, or accountant.

Brian James is an experienced  divorce and family mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. He runs a mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates. He can be reached at (312) 524-5829. View his Divorce Magazine profile.