The short answer is YES, although many people can be mediators: mental health, or business professionals, educators; and others. Only those mediators who are certified by the Florida Supreme Court in specific areas (County, Circuit, Family, Dependency, and Appellate) can claim to be a “Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator” and with the specific area of certification i.e. Family etc. can be assigned cases directly from the court. Florida Supreme Court mediator’s must meet many requirements such as background check, training, re-certification every two years, and ethical standards for mediators adopted by the Florida Supreme Court.

A mediator helps you talk with the party with whom you are having a dispute. The mediator does not make decisions for you. The mediator is a neutral and impartial guide to help you come up with possible solutions, stay on track, and clarify areas of agreement and disagreement. The mediator may help you and the other party see the conflict from each others point of view.

A mediator is not there to provide therapy, counseling, business or legal advice. While mediation is a good place to recognize the emotions that may be driving the dispute, the mediator is there as a neutral to help you focus on resolving your dispute.