How to Hire a Mediator for Child Custody
- 1). Obtain a list of court-approved mediators from the Clerk of the Court of the Administrative Assistant for the judge assigned to your case. Mediators approved to deal with child custody issues maintain special certifications.
- 2). Determine how much the mediator will charge for professional assistance. Most mediators will agree to a payment plan. However, keep in mind that the mediator may not approve the final mediation agreement until the fee is paid in full.
- 3). If you do not have the funds necessary to hire a private mediator, contact the local legal aid organization in your community. They provide this type of service to individuals who do not have the financial ability to pay for a private mediator.
- 4). Schedule an appointment with a law school clinic in your area if there is no legal aid organization. Law schools across the country typically sponsor clinical programs that permit students in their last year of legal studies to provide legal assistance of different types, including mediation services in family law matters. Clinics charge no fees for these services.
- 5). File a motion with the court seeking a waiver of mediation fee absent a legal aid organization or a law clinic to assist you in accessing a mediator. In limited situations, a court can waive the mediation fee, which means the state or county actually pays the mediator on your behalf.
- 6). Sign a mediation agreement with the mediator. Both you and the other party need to execute the agreement.
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