What should I know about hiring a third-party to help with Conflict Resolution?

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According to the Association for Conflict Resolution, mediation is the most commonly used form of conflict resolution and is the service most requested by members of the public. The Association for Conflict Resolution lists family mediators on its Web site. The group also recommends www.mediate.com, as a way to find a qualified mediator.

Mediators also work for the courts, and these people can be volunteers, salaried court employees, mediators in private practice, or mediators who are affiliated with a local community mediation center.

The cost to hire a mediator or other third-party resource varies greatly, depending on the type and complexity of the case, an on the mediator’s experience and training. Some mediators work specifically on different types or levels of conflict. Some even specialize entirely in working with high-end conflicts that involve companies with at least $1 million to dispute.

The credentials for mediators vary just as greatly as does their expertise and cost. No national training requirements or credentials exist; some states “license” their mediators, while others “register” or “certify” theirs. And more and more mediators earn certification through professional organizations, not through a state or federal level program.



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