Key Qualities to Look For
Professional Credentials
Look for mediators with formal training in family mediation, professional certifications, and active membership in mediation associations. Experience matters.
Local Expertise
For Minnesota cases, consider whether the mediator understands local court resources, common divorce process questions, and when to direct people to attorney review or official court information.
Communication Style
Find someone who listens well, explains concepts clearly, and helps both parties feel heard. Your mediator should be approachable and professional.
Impartiality & Neutrality
Your mediator should be neutral and clear about their role. A good mediator does not represent either party, take sides, or pressure anyone into an agreement.
Meet Our Mediators
Experience the Flannel People difference with mediators who truly care about your family's future.
Questions to Ask a Mediator
About Qualifications
- • How many years of experience?
- • What formal training/certifications?
- • What kinds of cases do you usually mediate?
About Process
- • How long does mediation typically take?
- • What does the process involve?
- • Do you meet jointly or separately?
About Costs
- • What are your hourly rates?
- • How are costs typically split?
- • Do you offer payment plans?
About Your Situation
- • Can you handle cases like mine?
- • What's your approach to complex issues?
- • How do you ensure both parties are heard?
Important Disclaimer: This guide is general information only, not legal advice. Choosing a mediator is different from choosing an attorney; a mediator facilitates conversation but does not represent either person or advise either person about legal rights.
Next steps
If you are past reading and closer to deciding, these are the pages worth your time.
Want the whole process first? Watch How a Prepared Mediation Works (Free Video Course)
Prep tools
Get ready on your own time
Digital download
$39
Mediation-Ready Divorce Prep Workbook
A fillable PDF workbook plus a companion spreadsheet for getting ready for mediation.
- All six big issues, one at a time
- A balance sheet that adds itself up
- One purchase covers a copy for each spouse
$39, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$19
The Co-parent Message Kit
Before-and-after message scripts for scheduling, money, and kid logistics.
- Nine before-and-after scripts
- A plan for hot messages
- A 7-day plan, one small move a day
$19, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$29
Two-Home Calendar and Expense Template
A spreadsheet for life in two homes, for Excel or Google Sheets.
- 12-month shared calendar
- Holiday rotation
- Shared expense split tracker
$29, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Free tool
How a Prepared Mediation Works (Free Video Course)
A short free video course on how divorce mediation works, from Flannel People Mediation.
- Six short videos
- Watch at your own pace
- Free on Gumroad
Free call
Rather talk it through?
- 15 minutes with Ryan or Kate
- Ask anything about the process
- No cost, no commitment