How to become a mediator in California
Who certifies or lists mediators in California?
No statewide mediator certification: each superior court that keeps a list of mediators or appoints mediators in general civil cases sets its own minimum qualifications, and neutrals on a court list must agree to ethics rules and limited pro bono service (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 10.781). Parties may also choose a mediator who is not on the court's list.
This is general information, not legal advice. It covers California only. Rules change, so check the official source before you enroll in a course.
What training and continuing education does California require?
These are the court mediator credentials and rosters we could confirm from California’s official sources. Where a detail isn’t confirmed, we say so instead of guessing.
| Credential or roster | Initial training | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|
| Family court services child custody mediator (court-connected, Fam. Code 1815-1816) Judicial Council of California (staff, with Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee) | 40 hours custody & visitation mediation training within first 6 months of employment; plus 16 hours advanced domestic violence training within first 12 months (rule 5.215(j), content per rule 5.230) | 8 hours related continuing education per year plus 4 hours domestic violence update per year (supervisors/FCS directors: +24 hours/year) (annual) |
| Court-roster general (civil panels, local) Each superior court (Cal. Rules of Court rule 10.781) | Set locally (no statewide minimum) | No statewide requirement found |
Other requirements
- Court-roster general (civil panels, local): Courts 'encouraged to consider' Judicial Council Model Qualification Standards; panel neutrals agree to ethics rules (rules 3.850-3.868) and limited pro bono
Do I need a state credential to mediate in California?
State credentials and court rosters mainly matter for court-ordered or court-connected cases, where a court may require a mediator from its own list. If you plan to mediate cases that people bring to you privately, check whether California or your profession has any rule that applies. See do I need a mediator certified in my state?
Official sources
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – Judicial Branch of California
- Superior court ADR programs by county
- Cal. Rules of Court, rule 10.781 – Court-related ADR neutrals
- Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.221 – Information about ADR
- courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/five/rule5_210
- courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/five/rule5_215
- courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/five/rule5_230
Checked Oct 8, 2026. Found an error or a newer rule? Email hello@mediationlist.com.
See the 1,438 mediators on California’s official rosters →
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