Mediation guides
Plain-English answers, fact-checked against statutes, court rules and official agency pages. Every claim links to its source. Rules vary by state, so each guide points you to your state’s page.
Featured guideWhat is divorce mediation and how does it work?How divorce mediation works, step by step: choosing a mediator, preparing, the sessions, and what happens if you agree or don't. Rules vary by state.32 guides
BasicsDo I need a mediator certified in my state?Whether your mediator must be certified in your state depends on whether a court is involved. Court-connected vs. private mediation, and how to check.
BasicsHow do I find and choose a mediator?How to find a mediator in any state, check official court rosters, and the questions to ask about experience, conflicts, fees, format, and safety.
BasicsHow does online mediation work?How video and phone mediation works in any state: when courts allow it, private breakout rooms, confidentiality, e-signatures, and a tech checklist.
BasicsIs mediation legally binding?Mediation itself isn't binding, but a signed mediated agreement can be. How agreements become binding and enforceable, and what varies by state.
BasicsWhat is a mediation hearing (court-ordered mediation)?A "mediation hearing" isn't a hearing before a judge. How court-ordered mediation works in any state: the order, who attends, and what happens next.
BasicsWhat is a mediator, and what does a mediator do?A mediator is a neutral helper who doesn't decide your case or give legal advice, and often isn't a lawyer. What the job involves in any state.
BasicsWhat is mediation? How does it work and who is it for?Mediation explained for any U.S. state: what a mediator does, how a session works step by step, who uses it, and which rules vary by state.
BasicsWhat is the difference between mediation and arbitration?A mediator helps you reach your own deal; an arbitrator decides. Binding vs. nonbinding arbitration, arbitration clauses, and what varies by state.
BasicsWhy is a "mediation department" calling me?A caller from a "mediation department" asking for money is acting as a debt collector, not a court mediator. How to check, your rights, and where to complain.
Divorce & custodyChild custody mediation and parenting plans: how it worksHow custody mediation helps parents build a parenting plan: schedules, decision-making, school, health care, kids' needs, and what happens after you agree.- Divorce & custodyDivorce mediation checklist: what to do before, during and afterA divorce mediation checklist for any state: choosing a mediator, financial documents, parenting plan, safety, the day of mediation, and the final agreement.
- Divorce & custodyDivorce mediation vs. court: what's the difference?Divorce mediation vs. court: who decides, how private it is, how agreements become binding, and when going to a judge makes more sense.
- Divorce & custodyDo I need a lawyer for divorce mediation?Whether you need a lawyer for divorce mediation depends on your state's rules and your case. Why the mediator can't advise you, and your options.
- Divorce & custodyFlorida divorce mediation: when it's required, the rules, and the feesFlorida family mediation law in plain English: when courts must refer parenting disputes, the 75-day rule, parenting plans, court fees, and circuit orders.
- Divorce & custodyHow do I prepare for child custody mediation?How to prepare for child custody mediation in any state: read the order, raise safety concerns, sketch a parenting plan, gather information and know what's private.
- Divorce & custodyHow do I prepare for divorce mediation?How to prepare for divorce mediation: read your order, gather financial papers, set priorities, sketch a parenting plan, and plan for safety.
- Divorce & custodyHow long does divorce mediation take?How long divorce mediation takes depends on your issues, your preparation, and your court's deadlines. What affects the timeline, with state examples.
- Divorce & custodyIdaho divorce and child custody mediation: how the court rules workIdaho family mediation in plain English: Rule 602 custody mediation, who qualifies as a child custody mediator, fees, deadlines, and domestic violence.
- Divorce & custodyTexas divorce mediation: referral, binding agreements, and family violenceTexas divorce and custody mediation law in plain English: when courts refer cases, what makes a mediated settlement binding, and family violence rules.
- Divorce & custodyWhat happens if mediation fails?If family mediation ends without agreement: impasse, what the mediator tells the judge, partial agreements, temporary orders, going back to court, and trying again.
- Divorce & custodyWhat not to say in custody mediationStatements that tend to backfire in custody mediation, what to say instead, and the limits of mediation confidentiality. General guide with state examples.
- Divorce & custodyWhat questions should I ask a divorce mediator?Questions to ask a divorce mediator before you hire one: training and court rosters, experience, fees, neutrality, safety, confidentiality and the written agreement.
- Divorce & custodyWhen is divorce mediation not recommended? Abuse, safety, and power imbalanceWhen divorce mediation may not be safe or fair: domestic violence, control, fear, hidden assets. What to do, safer formats, and labeled state examples.
CostsHow much does divorce mediation cost?What drives divorce mediation cost: court programs vs. private mediators, hourly vs. flat fees, number of sessions, and who pays. No made-up averages.- Costs · FloridaHow much does divorce mediation cost in Florida?Florida court-program divorce mediation costs $60 or $120 per person per session by statute. Private mediators set their own fees under written-disclosure rules.
- Costs · TexasHow much does divorce mediation cost in Texas?Texas sets no statewide divorce mediation fee. Courts may set a reasonable fee, and some county dispute resolution centers offer free or low-fee mediation.
- Costs · ToolDivorce mediation cost calculatorEstimate the cost of divorce mediation versus going to court using your own numbers. Official Florida court fees are filled in, with sources.
Business & workplaceCar accident mediation: what to expectWhat happens at a Florida car accident mediation: who attends, the insurer's role, how the day runs, what to bring, and what Florida auto insurance law says.
Business & workplaceHow does EEOC mediation work?How EEOC mediation works: free, voluntary, and confidential, what happens to your charge, who attends, and other workplace mediation options.- Business & workplacePersonal injury mediation: is it binding, how long does it take, and when do you get paid?Florida personal injury mediation: when a settlement becomes binding, the court's timelines, who must attend, and what the law says about getting paid.
For mediatorsHow to become a mediator: requirements in every stateMediator training, certification and court roster rules for all 50 states and DC, from official court and state sources.- For mediatorsMediationList Training (waitlist)We're building mediator training and continuing education courses. Join the waitlist to hear when the first courses open.