What are the requirements to become a mediator in Washington State?
Direct Answer
Washington does not require a statewide license to work as a private mediator, but court-referred mediators must meet the qualification rules set by individual superior courts.
Washington State does not have a statewide mediator licensing requirement for private mediation practice. However, mediators who want to receive court referrals must meet the qualification requirements set by each superior court.
For family law mediation, local court rules often apply. For example, King County Superior Court’s Family Law Mediation Program generally requires mediators to complete basic mediation training, family mediation training, and gain relevant case experience.
Parenting plan disputes may also be referred to mediation under Washington law. In these situations, mediators must meet the qualifications required by the court handling the case.
Washington also has professional organizations, such as the Washington Mediation Association and local Dispute Resolution Centers, that provide training, voluntary standards, and mediator rosters. Washington has adopted the Uniform Mediation Act under RCW 7.07, which provides a legal framework for mediation confidentiality and related procedures.