How Qualified Are Certified Advanced Mediators in Texas?

 Posted on January 20, 2025 in Family Law

Several matters that are addressed in the Texas legal system can be handled through litigation in the courts or through mediation. Many people who are trying to navigate divorce and child custody issues in particular find that mediation is a good option for them. However, how do you know if you can trust and rely on a mediator to remain impartial and truly help you and your spouse reach productive agreements that will serve your best interests?

In Texas, mediators typically complete training, education, and practical requirements set by the certifying organization before they can be assigned to a case.  At Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC, you have the benefit of working with a qualified Texas divorce lawyer who is also a certified advanced mediator and can draw on his extensive experience to explain why mediation may or may not be a good choice for your case.

Basic Mediator Training Requirements

Anyone who wants to become a certified Texas mediator must complete an accredited 40-hour basic mediation training program. This training covers a variety of important topics that a mediator needs to understand, including:

• Principles of mediation, including theory and process

• Conflict resolution techniques

• Effective communication

• Standards of practice and ethics

Once the basic mediation training is complete, applicants must accumulate practical mediation experience. This is typically done by spending at least 200 hours mediating under the supervision of a qualified mentor, although specific requirements vary depending on the level of certification and specialization the applicant seeks.

Advanced Mediator Training

Applicants hoping to qualify for advanced mediator certification must complete additional advanced mediation training, which is more specialized and focuses on how to handle complex cases. Topics that are covered typically include advanced negotiation strategies and conflict resolution techniques, handling high-conflict situations or difficult individuals, ethical dilemmas, and mediation for specific types of cases.

Obtaining Mediator Certification

Once the necessary training has been completed, mediation candidates can apply for advanced mediator certification as a Certified Mediator (CM) or Advanced Mediator (AM), based on training, mediation experience, and mediation competence. Applicants need to include documentation of their credentials and might also need to provide references from mediators or other professionals. To maintain their certification, advanced mediators must complete periodic continuing education hours and adhere to ethical standards. They also typically need to get recertified every few years.

Contact a Llano County, TX Family Law Attorney

If you are wondering whether your divorce might best be handled through mediation, a dedicated Llano, TX divorce lawyer who is also a certified advanced mediator is an excellent person to ask. At Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC, we are passionate about empowering our clients to make informed decisions that best serve their interests. Call us at 325-216-2006 to learn more about how we can assist you.