Mediation practice areas
Mediators help with many kinds of disputes. Court rosters list certification types, like Family or Civil, not every kind of dispute. So for each type below, we show who to look for and link to matching mediators. Not sure which fits? Answer 4 quick questions.
Divorce
Dividing property and debts, spousal support and the other terms of a divorce settlement.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Family & divorce.
Find divorce mediators · What is divorce mediation and how does it work? · How much does divorce mediation cost?
Custody & parenting plans
Where children live, the parenting schedule and how parents make decisions together.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Family & divorce.
Find custody & parenting plans mediators · Child custody mediation and parenting plans: how it works
Child support
How much support is paid and how costs like health insurance and childcare are shared.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Family & divorce.
Find child support mediators · What is divorce mediation and how does it work?
Small claims
Smaller money disputes heard in small claims or county court, such as unpaid bills or deposits.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Small claims & county court; Civil lawsuits & business.
Lawsuit / contract
Contract disputes and other civil lawsuits, often before or during a court case.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Civil lawsuits & business; Small claims & county court.
Business dispute
Disputes between business partners, or with vendors, customers or contractors.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Civil lawsuits & business; Small claims & county court.
Landlord–tenant
Rent, repairs, security deposits, lease terms and eviction cases.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Small claims & county court; Civil lawsuits & business.
Workplace
Disagreements at work and employment claims, including charges filed with the EEOC.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Workplace & employment; Civil lawsuits & business.
Estate / probate
Wills, trusts, inheritance and disagreements among family members over an estate.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Probate, estates & elder care; Civil lawsuits & business; Family & divorce.
Elder care
Family decisions about an aging parent's care, housing, finances or guardianship.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Probate, estates & elder care; Family & divorce; Civil lawsuits & business.
Neighbor dispute
Fences, trees, noise, parking and property lines.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Small claims & county court; Civil lawsuits & business.
HOA dispute
Disputes with a homeowners or condominium association over rules, fees or repairs.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Civil lawsuits & business; Small claims & county court.
Special education
IEPs, 504 plans and school services. Federal law requires every state to offer free special education mediation.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Special education.
Personal injury
Car accidents, injuries and insurance claims, often after a lawsuit is filed.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Civil lawsuits & business; Small claims & county court.
Child welfare / dependency case
Child welfare (dependency) cases involving the state's child protection agency, usually through the court.
Court certifications that usually cover it: Dependency & child welfare; Family & divorce.
General information, not legal advice. How results are matched to these types: how results are ordered.