Do I Want to Be a Marriage Mediator?
A marriage mediator helps couples resolve disputes outside of a courtroom setting. These disputes might concern child custody arrangements or divorce agreements. The practice of marriage mediation may also be considered a component of family law.
Marriage mediators may work for the state and local government, schools, hospitals, financial companies and health care organizations, among others. These workers typically spend their days in comfortable office settings, but they may need to travel for meetings and negotiations. Many mediators are only employed on a part-time basis.
Job Requirements
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that an individual can start a career as a mediator by completing a bachelor's degree program in any field, combined with a certificate program in mediation or dispute resolution. However, the BLS also states that mediators may be licensed attorneys, and this type of graduate study may also be preferred or required by prospective employers. The general skills required to work as a marriage mediator include:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Certificate and graduate degree programs are available*; a law degree may be preferred** |
| Degree Field | Conflict studies, negotiation, mediation, area of law or related field** |
| Licensure | No universal certification or licensure required for mediators, specific requirements may vary by state; all states require that licensure for lawyers** |
| Experience | Varies, can include related experience, such as law, conflict resolution or mediation work* |
| Key Skills | Critical-thinking, negotiation, analytical reasoning, writing, research, decision-making, persuasion, problem-solving and communication skills, as well as knowledge of law and government*** |
| Computer Skills | Ability to use legal research engines, project management, document management and accounting software (lawyers); general spreadsheet and word processing software (mediators)*** |
Sources: *Monster.com job descriptions found October 2012, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ***O*Net Online.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program
Based on job postings from October 2012, employers prefer candidates who have at least a master's degree, which requires that aspiring mediators receive an undergraduate degree. There is no specific undergraduate field of study designed to prepare individuals to work as a marriage mediator; however, undergraduate degree programs are available in family studies and other related areas. These programs may include coursework that introduces students to the conflicts and disputes that can arise within couples.
Success Tips:
- Complete a certificate program. Schools and colleges may offer undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a mediation or dispute resolution certificate program. These programs can include courses in negotiation, conflict management and interpersonal communication.
- Research state requirements. Prospective mediators should learn the regulations in their state for working in this field. This is necessary to ensure they have the required education and experience prior to beginning their job search.
- Consider taking the LSAT. Law school applicants must submit their Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores along with their applications. Most students take this exam during their junior year of undergraduate study. It is designed to test an individual's analytical reasoning skills. Private companies offer prep courses that may help an examinee increase their score.
Step 2: Pursue a Graduate or Professional Degree
Although not required for all positions, mediation and applied conflict studies or negotiation and dispute resolution master's degree programs can prepare an individual to work as a marriage mediator. These programs take about two years to complete and may be available online. Courses in these programs may cover topics like gender and power differences in conflicts, family mediation, ethics and impartiality and identity-based conflict. Most programs also include fieldwork, a practicum or some other opportunity to gain professional experience.
Students who decide on law school will complete around three years of full-time study. First-year law students complete courses in basic laws subjects, such as criminal law and property law. Second- and third-year students complete elective courses and clinical experiences, including mediation clinics. Family law is considered an elective course at most schools, and some law schools allow students to concentrate their studies in family law, mediation and dispute resolution.
Success Tips:
- Take elective courses. In a graduate program, students may consider taking elective courses in mediation practices and family law to gain specialty training for this career.
- Take the bar exam. Law school graduates usually must pass an exam to become eligible to practice law. The format of each state's bar exam differs, but many include multiple days of testing on state and national laws.
- Pursue certification. Professional certification in related areas, such as family and divorce mediation is available from organizations and academic institutions. This certification typically consists of 40 hours and offers additional training in areas like domestic violence and custody disputes.
Step 3: Pursue Employment
Most employers seek family law mediators with some experience either practicing law or working as a mediator. Marriage mediators can work in a variety of settings, such as with government agencies or non-profit organizations. Based on the October 2012 job postings, experience in related settings, such as courtrooms or counseling environments, could also help prepare prospective marriage mediators for this career.
