How to Become a Mediator
To become an approved mediator in South Dakota, individuals must complete and submit the Mediator Application Form to the circuit administrator in their respective judicial circuit.
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The application requires detailed information, including:
- Professional Background: Degrees, certifications, areas of specialization, years of experience and specialized training.
- Professional Employment History: A comprehensive disclosure of all professional roles, both within and outside the field of mediation.
- Mediation Training: Details of pertinent training sessions, seminars or workshops attended.
- Mediation Experience: The number of mediations conducted, along with approximate dates.
- Mediation Methods: Descriptions of mediation techniques employed and the typical duration of sessions.
- Fee Structure: An explanation of how fees and costs are determined for a standard mediation.
- Payment Terms: The requirements for fee payment, typically due upon completion of mediation.
Applicants must affirm their commitment to adhere to the principles and guidelines established in the Uniform Mediation Act, as promulgated by the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Once the application is completed, it should be submitted to the circuit administrator of the relevant circuit for approval by the presiding circuit judge. Upon approval, the mediator will be listed among the following court-approved mediators in South Dakota.
Following are the South Dakota Codified Laws which pertain to mediation.
- 25-4-56 — Custody and visitation disputes--Mediation order--Exceptions--Investigation--Allocation of costs.
- 25-4-57 — Court appointment of mediator.
- 25-4-58 — Adoption of court rules establishing minimum qualifications of mediator.
- 25-4-58.1 — Minimum qualifications for family court mediators.
- 25-4-58.2 — Conduct of Family Court Mediators.
- 25-4-59 — Privacy of mediation proceedings.
- 25-4-60 — Confidentiality of mediation communications and mediator's work product.
- 25-4-61 —Written mediated agreement--Signing--Court approval.
- 25-4-62 — Recommendation by mediator to court upon parties' failure to agree.