Gone are the days where a couple just hires divorce attorneys and allow the attorneys to represent them and act on their behalf. In many divorces cases, particularly those involving children and property, a professional mediator may be necessary. Legal mediators can work on all types of cases, though.
Professional mediators can really change the whole process from a battle to a cooperative discussion. Learn what professional mediators are, what it takes to become one, and other information to see if this is a career for you.
What are Professional Mediators?
A mediator is a trained professional who listens to both parties and helps them come to amicable agreements regarding any issues they may have but cannot agree upon between themselves. The most common issues include but are not limited to the following.
- Child visitation and custody
- Distribution of assets and liabilities
- Real estate disputes
- Estate division
- Business divisions
- Educational disputes
After listening to both parties, the mediator offers his or her advice on what is fair. While the decision of the mediator is not always the deciding factor, judges generally follow the advice and recommendation of the mediator. This decreases the need for a lengthy court battle and can save money.
Do You Need a Degree?
To become a professional mediator, you may not need a degree, but are required to have some training and experience. Most professional mediators have a degree in a specific area of specialization such as law, counseling, or business administration. Regardless of the degree they have, they still usually get some training in mediation. Much has to do with what area of mediation you wish to pursue such as corporate, child custody or divorce, etc.
Many colleges offer programs in conflict management or dispute resolution. These may be certificate programs that can be completed in one year, but the length of time you’ll need to be in training will depend on what type of degree you may currently have. For instance, some legal attorneys, teachers or counselors may just complete some training in mediation and transfer their career aspirations to the field of mediation.
Do I Need To Be Certified?
The requirements for mediators vary from state to state. However, most states don’t have any certification requirements. Most professional mediators are required to have some training and experience, but certification is generally not one of those requirements.
Certification is typically voluntary and can be obtained through organizations like National Association of Certified Mediators. Voluntary certification is often preferred by clients and judges alike, so it’s certainly worth considering.
How Much Do They Earn?
As of May 2013, mediators earned an average annual wage of $60,450, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages ranged as low as $35,000 or as high as $136,000 or more. Wages can be affected by location and level of training. For instance, an attorney who works as a mediator may have higher earnings than someone with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Working as a legal mediator can be a rewarding profession, with stable earnings and the opportunity to really help people. If you’re considering becoming a mediator, check into your local requirements. Whether it’s required or not, certification can help you stand out in the field and secure clients.
