Alabama Mediator Registration: ACDR Roster Requirements, Training & Fees
A complete reference guide to the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution (ACDR) roster system — the only government-recognized ADR credential in Alabama, administered under the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution. Current as of June 2026.
Alabama does not "certify" mediators — it registers them. The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution (ACDR), operating under the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution, maintains the State Court Mediator Roster. Registration is required for any court-designated or court-appointed mediation. There are 2 roster categories — General and Domestic Relations — each with distinct training and experience requirements. The annual registration fee is $175. A separate Appellate Mediator Roster is maintained by the Alabama appellate courts.
How Alabama's System Works
Source: ACDR Mediator Standards & Registration Procedures (rev. Apr 2026)
Unlike Florida, which uses the term "certification" and a 100-point qualification system, and Georgia, which uses "registration" under the GODR, Alabama uses "registration" under the ACDR — but with a notably simpler structure. Alabama has just two roster categories, no point-based system, no continuing education requirement for renewal, and a flat annual fee. The ACDR explicitly states that registration "does not imply any degree of mediation skills or competency" — it only confirms that minimum standards have been met.
General and Domestic Relations
Plus $30 one-time application fee
ACDR-approved, live in-person
ACR-certified or ACDR-approved
Private vs. Court-Connected Practice
Mediators who practice exclusively in private settings (where parties voluntarily choose them) are not required to register with the ACDR. However, any mediator handling court-designated or court-appointed cases must be on the roster. Many private mediators register anyway to claim the Supreme Court-backed credential.
The Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution requires live, in-person training for courses approved for roster admission. Online-only programs do not satisfy the training requirement, even if they cover the same curriculum. This distinguishes Alabama from Georgia, which permits online training.
The 2 Roster Categories
Verified against Appendix I & II, ACDR Mediator Standards & Registration Procedures (rev. Apr 2026)
Alabama's roster has two distinct tracks. The General Mediator roster covers all civil disputes. The Domestic Relations roster covers family law, divorce, and parenting matters and requires additional training and higher experience thresholds. Select each category to expand its full requirements.
| Category | Training Hours | Experience Required | Education | Ethics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Mediator | 20 hrs | Attorney (4 yrs exp) OR bachelor's + 5 yrs management OR HS diploma + 8 yrs management + 10 mediations | None (see experience) | 2 hrs AL ethics included |
| Domestic Relations Mediator | 40 hrs | Attorney (4 yrs exp) OR master's in psychology/social work/mental health (5 yrs) OR bachelor's + 8 yrs management + 10 DR mediations | Bachelor's or master's depending on track | 2 hrs AL ethics included |
General Mediator Roster
20 hours of ACDR-approved, live in-person training, including 2 hours of Alabama-specific ethics. Experience qualifications: attorney with 4 years' experience, OR bachelor's degree plus 5 years of management experience, OR high school diploma plus 8 years of management experience and 10 completed mediations.
Domestic Relations Mediator Roster
40 hours of ACR-certified or ACDR-approved training (a stricter standard than the General track), including 2 hours of Alabama-specific ethics. Experience qualifications: attorney with 4 years' experience, OR master's degree in psychology, social work, or mental health plus 5 years' experience, OR bachelor's degree plus 8 years of management experience and 10 completed domestic relations mediations.
Step-by-Step Registration Pathway
Choose Your Roster Track
Decide whether you are pursuing the General Mediator roster (20 hrs) or the Domestic Relations roster (40 hrs). You may apply for both, but each requires its own application and fee.
Verify Your Experience Qualifications
Confirm you meet one of the experience pathways for your chosen track: attorney with 4 years' experience, degree + management experience, or law school clinical course. Gather documentation (bar card, employment records, mediation case logs).
Complete ACDR-Approved Training
Enroll in and complete a live, in-person training program approved by the ACDR. For General: 20 hours including 2 hours of Alabama ethics. For Domestic Relations: 40 hours (ACR-certified or ACDR-approved) including 2 hours of Alabama ethics. Training must be completed within 2 years preceding application.
Submit Application & Pay Fees
Submit a completed application form to the ACDR along with the $30 application fee. Include documentation of your training completion, experience qualifications, and good character attestation.
ACDR Review & Approval
The ACDR reviews your application. If approved, you are added to the State Court Mediator Roster and assessed the $175 annual registration fee. If denied, you may appeal within 30 days to the Committee on Standards for Neutrals of the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution.
Annual Renewal
Pay the $175 annual renewal fee each year to remain on the roster. Failure to pay or to meet current standards results in removal. There is no continuing education (CE) requirement for renewal under the current standards.
Approved Training Programs
Source: ACDR Training Calendar — alabamaadr.org/web/training/
The ACDR certifies training providers whose courses meet the education requirements for roster admission. All approved programs must include mock mediation exercises and ethics education as part of their curricula. Training must be completed within 2 years preceding your application.
What Every Approved Program Must Include
- Mock mediation exercises (required by ACDR)
- Ethics education (minimum 2 hours of Alabama-specific mediator ethics)
- Delivered live and in-person (online-only programs not accepted)
- Completed within 2 years preceding application
For the 40-hour Domestic Relations track, the training program must be either (a) certified by the Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR) or (b) approved by the ACDR as functionally equivalent or superior to an ACR 40-hour course. This is a stricter standard than the General track.
The ACDR publishes a training calendar with upcoming approved programs. Find current live training opportunities at alabamaadr.org/web/training open_in_new
Annual Renewal & Fees
Source: ACDR Mediator Standards & Registration Procedures (rev. Apr 2026), Section V
One-time, paid at initial application
Assessed each year upon approval
No continuing education hours required for renewal
Renewal Process
To remain on the roster, registered mediators must pay the $175 annual assessment and continue to meet the standards in effect at the time of renewal. Failure to pay the annual fee or to meet current standards results in removal from the roster. Unlike Florida (biennial renewal with 16 CE hours) and Georgia (annual renewal with 3 CE hours), Alabama currently has no continuing education requirement for renewal.
Pro Bono Obligation
All registered mediators must be willing to provide, upon request, at least 10 hours annually of pro bono mediation services to the public. This is an ongoing obligation tied to roster membership, not a one-time requirement. The ACDR may refer pro bono cases to roster members.
Alabama Appellate Mediator Roster
Source: Alabama Rules of Appellate Mediation, Rule 4; judicial.alabama.gov/mediation
Separate from the ACDR State Court Mediator Roster, the Alabama appellate courts maintain their own Appellate Mediator Roster, managed by the Appellate Mediation Office. This roster covers civil appeals filed with the Supreme Court of Alabama and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
Eligibility for Appellate Roster
- Must already be on the ACDR State Court Mediator Roster
- Must complete additional appellate-specific training (see Rule 4(a)(1), Alabama Rules of Appellate Mediation)
- Must submit a completed Appellate Mediator Application to the Appellate Mediation Office
- Parties may also select a mediator not on the roster if that person meets Rule 4(a)(2) requirements
How Appellate Mediation Works
Any civil appeal where all parties are represented by counsel is eligible. Cases are selected by the Appellate Mediation Administrator. A Notice to Stay is issued, staying all appellate proceedings. Parties first try to mutually select a mediator from the roster; if they cannot agree, the Administrator appoints one. Participation is mandatory (Rule 55, Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure); settlement is not. Mediator fees vary and are shared equally between parties.
For appellate roster applications and case inquiries, contact the Appellate Mediation Office directly via the Alabama Judicial System website: judicial.alabama.gov/mediation open_in_new
Ethics & Good Character
Source: Appendix III, ACDR Mediator Standards & Registration Procedures (rev. Apr 2026)
All registered Alabama mediators must adhere to the Alabama Code of Ethics for Mediators and the ACDR's rules for mediator registration. Good character is a prerequisite for both initial registration and continued registration.
Good Character Factors
The ACDR evaluates good character by considering (without limitation):
- Whether conduct would interfere with mediator duties
- The area of mediation sought
- Factors underlying the conduct and the applicant's age at the time
- Recency and seriousness of the conduct
- Evidence of rehabilitation and candor
- Prior denial, disbarment, or suspension from any profession
- Treatment for alcohol or substance abuse
Criminal Convictions
An applicant convicted of a felony is ineligible for registration until receiving a restoration of civil rights or a pardon. A registered mediator convicted of a felony must report it to the ACDR within 30 days; the ACDR will immediately suspend registration and refer the matter to the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution. Misdemeanor convictions are also reportable and referred to the Commission for appropriate action.
Knowingly providing incorrect material information on any application is grounds for removal. There is a presumption of knowing and willful violation if the application is completed, signed, and notarized.
AL vs. FL & GA: Side-by-Side Comparison
Alabama, Florida, and Georgia each have distinct systems for recognizing mediators. The table below compares the key dimensions across all three states.
| Feature | Alabama (ACDR) | Florida (FSCM) | Georgia (GODR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term used | Registration | Certification | Registration |
| Governing body | Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution (ACDR) | Florida Supreme Court (via DRC) | GA Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) |
| Number of categories | 2 (General, Domestic Relations) | 5 (County, Family, Circuit, Dependency, Appellate) | 7 (General Civil, DR, SDV, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Dependency, Probate, Non-Binding Arbitration) |
| General training hours | 20 hrs (live, in-person) | N/A — point-based system | 28 hrs + practicum |
| Family/DR training hours | 40 hrs (ACR-certified or ACDR-approved) | 40 hrs (Family Mediator) | 42 hrs + practicum |
| Application fee | $30 | Varies by category | Included in annual fee |
| Annual fee | $175/year | Biennial renewal fee | $100/year |
| CE requirement | None | 16 hrs per 2-year cycle | 3 hrs/year |
| Online training | Not accepted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Pro bono obligation | 10 hrs/year upon request | None stated | None stated |
| Appellate roster | Separate roster (Alabama appellate courts) | Separate (Appellate Mediator) | Not applicable |
| Reciprocity | Not formally established | Not formally established | Not formally established |
Florida Certification Guide arrow_forward Georgia Registration Guide arrow_forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alabama certify mediators?
No. Alabama registers mediators through the ACDR onto the State Court Mediator Roster rather than certifying them. The ACDR is explicit that registration "does not imply any degree of mediation skills or competency" — it only confirms that minimum standards have been met.
How many training hours does Alabama require?
20 hours of live, in-person training for the General Mediator roster, or 40 hours (ACR-certified or ACDR-approved) for the Domestic Relations roster. Both tracks include 2 hours of Alabama-specific ethics education.
Do I need a law degree to become a registered mediator in Alabama?
No. Alternative experience pathways exist for both rosters — for example, a bachelor's degree plus 5 years of management experience, or a high school diploma plus 8 years of management experience and 10 completed mediations, can qualify you for the General Mediator roster.
How much does Alabama mediator registration cost?
A $30 one-time application fee plus a $175 annual registration fee to remain on the roster.
Does Alabama require continuing education (CE) for renewal?
No. Unlike Florida (16 hours per 2-year cycle) and Georgia (3 hours per year), Alabama currently has no CE requirement — renewal only requires paying the $175 annual fee and continuing to meet current standards.
Can I take Alabama mediator training online?
No. Training must be delivered live and in-person to satisfy roster admission requirements; online-only programs are not accepted, even if they cover the same curriculum.
What is the pro bono requirement for Alabama mediators?
All registered mediators must be willing to provide at least 10 hours annually of pro bono mediation services upon request, as an ongoing condition of roster membership.
What is the Alabama Appellate Mediator Roster?
A separate roster from the ACDR State Court Roster, maintained by the Alabama appellate courts' Appellate Mediation Office, covering civil appeals before the Supreme Court of Alabama and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Mediators must already be on the ACDR roster and complete additional appellate-specific training to qualify.
Sources & Methodology
This guide is compiled exclusively from primary government sources. All requirements are sourced directly from the ACDR's official standards document and the Alabama appellate courts. We do not rely on third-party training providers or bar association summaries for regulatory requirements.
ACDR Mediator Standards & Registration Procedures (rev. Apr 2026)
Primary source for all General and Domestic Relations roster requirements, fees, good character standards, and appeals process.
Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution — Training Calendar
Official calendar of ACDR-approved live training programs.
Alabama Appellate Mediation Program — judicial.alabama.gov
Official source for appellate mediator roster requirements, Rules of Appellate Mediation, and Appellate Mediation Office contact information.
Alabama Rules of Appellate Mediation — Rule 4 & Rule 5
Governing rules for appellate mediator eligibility, case selection, confidentiality, and extensions.
Alabama Roster Application — alabamaadr.org
Official application portal for ACDR State Court Mediator Roster.
Last Verified: June 30, 2026 • Next Verification: September 30, 2026 (quarterly)
Government requirements change. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact our editorial team. We verify all state-specific content quarterly.
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