According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), more than 90% of disputes in the U.S., including family disputes, are resolved out of court. Some of the common strategies used to resolve conflicts out of court include arbitration, negotiation, and mediation. Given family disputes are generally more sensitive because of the emotions involved, a professional family mediator is usually required to solve them. This person can help a family solve issues related to finances, child custody, child support, and distribution of resources after divorce, among others. It is worth noting that a family mediator should be a highly skilled person who can bring two conflicting parties together without fear or favor. Here’s are the steps to becoming an accredited family mediator.
Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
To boost your skills in mediation, it is prudent to first obtain an undergraduate degree in a relevant course. Some of the courses related to family mediation include, among others, psychology, law, conflict resolution, negotiation strategies, and interpersonal communication. While having a degree can be helpful in your career, mediation requirements vary from one state to another, and hence, find out if you need one in your state.
Gain Work Experience
Adequate experience gives you an edge in your career. For example, most families would want to hire a mediator who has handled such matters before. With this in mind, strive to gain work experience by volunteering at family courts or working at law firms and counseling centers, or doing social work. If mediation is not your primary career, ensure you gain enough experience in your other field as well. While at it, have a keen interest in gaining skills such as negotiation, active listening, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Undergo Mediation Training
This part involves applying your soft skills in solving family disputes under the supervision of an experienced family mediator. The training helps you gain more skills and experience in mediation, things which will be beneficial to your career. You can also sign up for a mediation course at an accredited institution.
Get Certification
To get certification in mediation, research the requirements needed in your state. For instance, some states will require you to obtain a master’s degree in mediation or a related course or have an equivalent amount of work experience. Once you know what the state requires to certify you, ensure you fulfill the requirements to become a certified family mediator.
Conclusion
To become an accredited family mediator, follow the steps discussed in this article. Take note that legal knowledge may be required in some of the cases, and therefore, knowledge of family laws will come in handy.
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