Mediation and ADR
Mediator
A neutral, impartial person who conducts a mediation and helps the parties reach their own agreement, without deciding the dispute.[1][2]
In more detail
Florida describes the mediator's role as reducing obstacles to communication, helping identify issues, exploring alternatives and facilitating voluntary agreements.[2] The Uniform Mediation Act itself doesn't require a mediator to have any special background or profession,[1] but court programs set their own qualifications. Virginia's standards say a mediator doesn't give legal advice.[3]
Varies by state
Qualifications for court-referred mediators are set by each state; private mediation is usually unregulated. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- MediationA process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties communicate and negotiate so they can reach their own voluntary agreement.
- Certified mediatorA mediator whom a court or other body has certified as meeting its standards for training, experience and conduct.
- NeutralAn impartial person with no stake in the outcome who helps the parties resolve a dispute.
- ImpartialityActing without favoritism, bias or prejudice toward any participant.
- CaucusA private meeting between the mediator and one side, held apart from the other side, to talk through options and concerns more openly.
- Co-mediationMediation conducted by two or more mediators working together in the same case.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Mediator: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/mediator/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.