Credential
The only government-issued ADR credential in Georgia, issued by the state Supreme Court and recognized nationally.
Georgia Mediator Registration: GODR Requirements, Training & Renewal
A complete reference guide to the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) registration system — the only government-issued ADR credential in Georgia, issued by the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution. Current as of June 2026.
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Verified Jun 30, 2026
In Short
Georgia does not "certify" mediators — it registers them. The Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR), operating under the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution, maintains a public registry of neutrals who have met the Supreme Court's training and ethics requirements. Registration is required for any court-referred or court-ordered mediation and is the only government-issued ADR credential in the state. There are 7 registration categories, each with its own training hours and prerequisites. Registration renews annually with 3 CE hours required.
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How Georgia's System Works
Source: GODR FAQ & Appendix B, GA Supreme Court ADR Rules
Unlike Florida, which uses the term "certification" and a 100-point qualification system, Georgia uses "registration." The distinction is more than semantic: Georgia's GODR is the only government body in the state that issues an ADR credential, and it does so under the authority of the Georgia Supreme Court. There is no separate licensing board, no bar association credential, and no private certification that carries equivalent legal weight.
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7 Registration Categories
General Civil, Domestic Relations, Specialized DV, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Dependency, Probate, Non-Binding Arbitration
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Feb 28 Annual Renewal
Renewal window: Oct 1 – Dec 31 each year. Late renewal Jan 1 – Feb 28/29 incurs a late fee.
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3 hrs CE Required
Per annual renewal cycle. Must be submitted with renewal or anytime during the year prior to renewal.
Private vs. Court-Connected Practice
Mediators who practice exclusively in private settings (where parties voluntarily choose them) are not required to register with GODR. However, many private mediators register anyway to claim the Supreme Court credential and demonstrate professional commitment. Any mediator handling court-referred or court-ordered cases must be registered in the relevant category.
Why Register Even If Not Required?
Immunity
Broad civil liability immunity for statements, actions, and decisions made during court-connected ADR processes.
Confidentiality
Blanket confidentiality protection for mediation-generated statements, documents, and the mediator's notes.
Ethical Framework
Formal adoption of Georgia Supreme Court ADR Rules as the procedural and ethical framework for your practice.
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The 7 Registration Categories
Verified against Appendix B, GA Supreme Court ADR Rules (eff. July 1, 2023)
All training must be completed in sequence based on prerequisites. General Civil Mediation is the prerequisite for all categories except Non-Binding Arbitration. Applications must be submitted within 18 months of completing training. Select any category below to expand its full requirements.
| Category | Training Hours | Practicum / Observations | Education Required | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Binding Arbitration | 6 hr | None | None | None |
| General Civil Mediation | 28 hr | 12-hr practicum OR 5 observations (10+ hrs) | None | None |
| Probate Mediation | 16 hr (combined training + practicum) | Included in 16 hr | None | General Civil |
| Domestic Relations Mediation | 42 hr | 12-hr practicum OR 1 observation + 2 co-mediations | Bachelor's degree | General Civil |
| Specialized Domestic Violence | 14 hr | None | None | General Civil + Domestic Relations |
| Juvenile Delinquency | 21 hr | None | None | General Civil |
| Juvenile Dependency | 28 hr (21 hr if registered in Dom. Relations) | None | Bachelor's degree | General Civil + Juvenile Delinquency |
Non-Binding Arbitration
6 hours of GODR-approved arbitration training.
General Civil Mediation
28 hours of GODR-approved general civil mediation training.
Probate Mediation
16 hours of GODR-approved combined Probate Mediation training and practicum (training and practicum are combined into a single 16-hour program).
Domestic Relations Mediation
42 hours of GODR-approved domestic relations mediation training.
Specialized Domestic Violence (SDV) Mediation
14 hours of GODR-approved specialized domestic violence mediation training (taken after registering as a domestic relations mediator).
Juvenile Delinquency Mediation
21 hours of GODR-approved juvenile delinquency mediation training.
Juvenile Dependency Mediation
28 hours of GODR-approved dependency mediation training (21 hours if already registered in Domestic Relations Mediation).
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)
ENE is a separate GODR registration category for experienced legal professionals. Requirements: (1) be a registered GODR neutral, (2) have practiced law or served as a judge for at least 8 years, (3) have 5 years of relevant experience in the substantive area of dispute, (4) complete 6 hours of GODR-approved ENE training, and (5) have served as an arbitrator or mediator in a minimum of 10 court-connected or private ADR sessions.
ENE is a separate GODR registration category for experienced legal professionals. Requirements: (1) be a registered GODR neutral, (2) have practiced law or served as a judge for at least 8 years, (3) have 5 years of relevant experience in the substantive area of dispute, (4) complete 6 hours of GODR-approved ENE training, and (5) have served as an arbitrator or mediator in a minimum of 10 court-connected or private ADR sessions.
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Step-by-Step Registration Pathway
Source: GODR "Become a Neutral" guide
The following steps apply to all registration categories. Steps 1–3 can be completed concurrently; Steps 4–6 must be completed in sequence.
1
Complete GODR-Approved Training
Complete the required training hours for your target category from a GODR pre-approved training provider. Training must be live (in-person or synchronous online). Asynchronous or pre-recorded courses are not accepted. Application must be submitted within 18 months of completing training.
2
Create a Georgia Courts Registrar (GCR) Account
Register at gcr.onegovcloud.com. This is the online portal for all GODR registration, renewal, and document submission. All official GODR communications come through GCR — keep your contact information current.
3
Complete an Ethics (Background) Check
Consent to a background check through the GCR system. A criminal record or prior professional discipline does not automatically disqualify you, but full disclosure is required. Failure to disclose may prevent registration.
4
Complete Practicum or Observations (if required)
For General Civil Mediation: complete either a 12-hour GODR-approved practicum or observe 5 civil mediations (10+ hours) with at least 2 different registered mediators. For Domestic Relations: complete either a 12-hour practicum or 1 observation + 2 co-mediations. Submit the required Observation/Co-Mediation Reporting Form.
5
Attest to Lawful Presence (non-U.S. citizens only)
Non-citizens must attest to lawful presence by uploading an Affidavit of Lawful Presence and a secure and verifiable document (from the approved list) in GCR.
6
Submit Application and Pay Fee
Log into GCR, ensure all tabs are complete (yellow or green), upload all required documents (training certificate, observation forms if applicable), and pay the registration fee. Applications are not received until payment is complete.
Contact
Georgia Courts Registrar (GCR) Team
Email: gcr@georgiacourts.gov • Phone: (404) 463-3808
Georgia Courts Registrar (GCR) Team
Email: gcr@georgiacourts.gov • Phone: (404) 463-3808
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Finding GODR-Approved Training
Source: godr.org/find-a-training/
GODR pre-approves training programs for each registration category. While pre-approved trainings are not strictly required, they are strongly encouraged — they guarantee that the training will meet GODR qualification standards. Training programs are approved for 3-year periods and must be renewed by the provider.
Online Training
Synchronous online (live Zoom, etc.) is accepted for initial registration if the program is GODR pre-approved. Asynchronous or pre-recorded online courses are never accepted toward initial registration.
Out-of-State Training
No formal reciprocity. Out-of-state training is evaluated case-by-case. Submit the course outline to GODR for individual review before assuming it will qualify.
Continuing Education (CE)
Online and video courses (synchronous or asynchronous) are generally acceptable for CE as long as they meet all other CE criteria. CE must total 3 hours per annual renewal cycle.
Training Providers
Notable GODR-approved providers include Miles ADR (Atlanta), Kennesaw State University Radow College, Justice Center of Atlanta, and Henning Mediation & Arbitration. Check godr.org for the current approved list.
Find the current list of pre-approved trainings at godr.org/find-a-training open_in_new
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Annual Renewal and Continuing Education
Source: GODR Registration Renewal page (updated Sep 2024)
Georgia mediator registration expires annually on February 28/29. Unlike Florida's biennial renewal cycle, Georgia requires renewal every year — making it more frequent but with a lower CE burden (3 hours vs. Florida's 16 hours per 2-year cycle).
Annual Renewal Timeline
Oct 1 – Dec 31
On-Time Renewal Window
Complete renewal in GCR: answer all questions, upload documents, submit 3 CE hours, pay fee. This is the standard renewal period.
Jan 1 – Feb 28/29
Late Renewal (Lapsed Status)
Registration is in Lapsed Status. Late fee applies. Mediator cannot act in court-connected cases while in Lapsed Status.
Mar 1+
Inactive Status
Failure to renew by Feb 28/29 results in Inactive Status. Mediator cannot handle court-connected cases. After 5 years in Inactive status, registration becomes Deregistered.
5 yrs+
Deregistered
A deregistered neutral who wants to register again must meet all initial requirements, including completing a new GODR-approved training course in each desired category.
Continuing Education Requirements
3 hrsHours Required
Per annual renewal cycle. CE can be submitted anytime during the year prior to renewal, or submitted with the renewal application.
Live / OnlineAcceptable Formats
Live in-person, synchronous online, or asynchronous online/video courses that meet CE criteria. Unlike initial training, online and video courses are generally acceptable for CE.
Note: The specific fee schedule is available on the GODR website and through the Georgia Courts Registrar. Contact GODR at gaodr@georgiacourts.gov or (404) 463-3808 for current fee amounts.
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Ethics, Background Checks, and Immunity
Source: Appendix B & Appendix C, GA Supreme Court ADR Rules
Georgia's ethical framework for registered mediators is embedded in the Georgia Supreme Court ADR Rules. Registered mediators formally adopt these rules as the procedural and ethical framework for their practice.
Background Check at Registration
All applicants must consent to a background check and pass it pursuant to Appendix C of the ADR Rules. A criminal record or prior professional discipline does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but full disclosure is required. Failure to disclose may prevent registration.
Annual Ethics Disclosure
At initial registration, all neutrals submit a Consent for Release of Information form (held on file; only submitted once). All criminal history questions on the renewal application must be updated annually. GODR expects full disclosure of any criminal transgressions since the last renewal.
Civil Immunity for Registered Mediators
Registered mediators conducting court-ordered or court-referred mediations have broad immunity from civil liability for any statement, action, omission, or decision made during the ADR process — unless it is (1) grossly negligent and made with malice, or (2) in willful disregard of the safety or property of any party.
Confidentiality Protection
In court-ordered or court-referred mediations conducted by a properly registered mediator, the Supreme Court ADR Rules grant blanket confidentiality protection to mediation-generated statements, documents, and evidence, and the mediator's notes and records. Mediators cannot be subpoenaed or required to testify about the mediation.
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Georgia vs. Florida and Alabama
A row-level comparison of the three neighboring states' mediator credentialing systems. Each state's full reference page links from this table.
| Criterion | Georgia | Florida | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term used | Registration | Certification | Certification |
| Governing body | GA Commission on Dispute Resolution / GODR | FL Supreme Court / Dispute Resolution Center | AL Center for Dispute Resolution |
| Point system | No | Yes (100 pts) | No |
| Training (general civil) | 28 hr + 12-hr practicum | 40 hr + mentored mediations | 20 hr |
| Degree required (general civil) | None | None (county); Bachelor's (family/circuit) | None |
| Renewal cycle | Annual (Feb 28) | Biennial | Annual |
| CE per cycle | 3 hrs | 16 hrs | 6 hrs |
| Online training accepted | Synchronous only (for initial reg.) | Synchronous only (for initial reg.) | Varies by program |
| Reciprocity | Case-by-case review | No formal reciprocity | No formal reciprocity |
| Mediator immunity | Yes (court-connected cases) | Yes (court-ordered cases) | Yes (court-ordered cases) |
Florida Certification Guide arrow_forward Alabama Registration Guide arrow_forward
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FAQs
Does Georgia certify mediators?
No. Unlike Florida, Georgia "registers" mediators rather than certifying them. GODR registration, issued by the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution, is the only government-issued ADR credential in the state.
How many training hours does Georgia require to become a mediator?
It depends on the category. General Civil Mediation (the prerequisite for most other categories) requires 28 hours, Domestic Relations requires 42 hours, and Non-Binding Arbitration requires 6 hours. See the category table above for the full breakdown.
Can I take Georgia mediator training online?
For initial registration, only synchronous (live) online training from a GODR pre-approved provider is accepted — asynchronous or pre-recorded courses do not qualify. Asynchronous online and video courses are accepted for continuing education (CE).
How often do I need to renew my Georgia mediator registration?
Annually. Registration expires each year on February 28/29, with an on-time renewal window of October 1 through December 31.
How many CE hours does Georgia require for renewal?
3 hours per annual renewal cycle, which can be submitted anytime during the year prior to renewal or with the renewal application itself.
Do I need a law degree to become a registered mediator in Georgia?
No. A law degree isn't required for most categories. A bachelor's degree (not necessarily in law) is required for Domestic Relations Mediation and Juvenile Dependency Mediation.
Does Georgia have reciprocity with other states?
No formal reciprocity exists. Out-of-state training is evaluated case-by-case — submit your course outline to GODR for individual review before assuming it will qualify.
What immunity do registered Georgia mediators have?
Registered mediators conducting court-ordered or court-referred mediations have broad civil liability immunity for statements, actions, and decisions made during the process, unless grossly negligent and made with malice, or in willful disregard of a party's safety or property.
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Sources, Methodology, and Verification
Primary Sources Cited
- Appendix B — Rules for Qualification and Training of Neutrals (as amended May 3, 2023, eff. July 1, 2023)
- Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) — Complete Training Requirements
- GODR FAQ — Registration, online training, reciprocity, immunity
- GODR Registration Renewal — Annual cycle, CE requirements, lapsed/inactive status
- Georgia Courts Registrar (GCR) — Application portal
Last Verified: June 30, 2026 • Next Verification: September 30, 2026 (quarterly)
Cite This Page
Bluebook: Georgia Mediator Registration, lawsuit.com (Jun. 2026).
APA: (2026). Georgia mediator registration. lawsuit.com.
Chicago: "Georgia Mediator Registration," lawsuit.com, June 2026.
© 2026 Transformational Outsourcing. All information verified against primary sources. • Suggest a correction
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