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Frequently Asked Questions

Cooper Shattuck

How to become a mediator in Alabama?

There are many avenues for becoming a mediator in Alabama, but only one body recognizes mediators who can be appointed in state court cases – that is the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution. The Center maintains the roster of general and domestic relations mediators. You can find the standards and registration procedures for becoming a member of the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster here.​

Where can I get mediator training?

The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution certifies providers whose courses meet the education requirements for being listed on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster. Alabama Mediation Training is one of the certified providers.

Do I have to be a lawyer to be a mediator in Alabama?

No, you do not have to be a lawyer to become a member of the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster. You can find the requirements for becoming a member here.

Why don’t you offer online training?

The Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution requires live, in-person training for those courses approved for providing the education necessary to be admitted to the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.

Do I have to be on the roster to serve as a mediator in Alabama?

You must be listed on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster to be designated or appointed as a mediator in Alabama state court, unless the court finds good cause otherwise. Other mediation programs may have their own requirements, some of which also require membership on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.

Do you offer mediation certification?

There is no “certification” process, procedure, or body for mediators in Alabama, other than membership or listing on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.

Do your courses cover how to start a mediation practice?

Yes, we cover the business of being a mediator and also how to market your mediation practice in both our 20-hour and 40-hour courses.

Do you offer any advanced mediation classes?

Yes, we offer an Advanced Mediation course (one-day) and a Negotiations course (one-day).

Where can I find more information about mediation?

The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution website has a wealth of information about mediation and other alternative dispute resolution programs and methods in Alabama.

Who maintains the roster of mediators in Alabama?

The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution maintains the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster. You can find the roster here.

What about appellate mediation?

The Alabama appellate courts maintain their own roster, conduct their own training, and have their own office which manages the mediation of cases on appeal. One must be on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster to be eligible for listing on the appellate court mediator roster. You can find more information here.

How do I become certified to handle cases in which domestic violence is alleged?

Alabama Code §6-6-20 requires mediators who receive a referral or order from a court to conduct mediation to screen for the occurrence of domestic or family violence between the parties. Where evidence of domestic violence exists, mediation shall occur only if certain conditions are met, including that the mediation is provided by a certified mediator who is trained in domestic and family violence in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the victim. The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution has recognized the successful completion of our 14-hour Domestic Violence Mediation course as providing that certification.

What laws govern mediation in Alabama?

Some mediations are governed by Alabama Code §6-6-20, and some mediations are covered by the Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rules. Appellate mediations are governed by Rule 55 of the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure. Mediations of matters pending before federal courts have their own rules depending on which court the matter is in. There are cases that have been decided in both federal and state courts regarding mediation.

Do mediators have a code of ethics in Alabama?

The Alabama Supreme Court has promulgated the Alabama Code of Ethics for Mediators, which by its terms applies to the mediation of cases pending in courts of the State of Alabama and mediation conducted by persons whose names are listed on the roster of mediators maintained by the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution.

Are there rules governing mediation in Alabama?

The Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rules apply to many mediations in Alabama. Appellate mediations are governed by Rule 55 of the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure.

What is the difference between the 20-hour course and the 40-hour course?

The 20-hour course focuses on general civil mediation and meets the education requirements for listing on the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster (general or civil). The 40-hour course focuses on family law and domestic relations disputes and meets the education requirement for listing on BOTH the general and domestic relations roster.

Can I take a 20-hour domestic course to pair with my 20-hour general civil course and meet the requirements for listing on both rosters?

No, the Center for Dispute Resolution does not approve a 20-hour domestic course.

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