Are there laws governing mediation?

Yes, in Washington state there are laws governing mediation. The Washington State Legislature has established the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 7.75 to govern the practice of mediation. This chapter outlines the general provisions of the law, professional qualifications and education requirements for mediators, as well as the procedures and standards for conducting mediation. The RCW also mandates that mediators be licensed or certified by a recognized organization, such as the Washington State Bar Association. Furthermore, it requires mediators to abide by ethical standards of conduct and complete continuing education courses in order to remain qualified. Some of the topics covered by these courses include conflict resolution, communication skills, financial literacy and dispute resolution methods. It is important to note that the law also prohibits certain types of agreements from being used in mediations, such as those that are unconscionable or that are against public policy. Additionally, mediations are confidential and all parties must agree to keep them confidential. As a result, any person who discloses confidential information without permission may be subject to sanctions under the law. Overall, mediation laws in Washington state provide a framework for the professional practice of mediation and ensure that all mediations are conducted in a fair and ethical manner.

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