Are there any restrictions on who can be a mediator?

Yes, there are restrictions on who can be a mediator in South Carolina. A mediator is a neutral third party working to help the two sides of a dispute reach an agreement. All mediators must be certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Certification requires at least 24 hours of training in mediation and dispute resolution techniques, as well as two years of continuous professional mediation experience. In addition to meeting the minimum certification requirements, any person offering mediation services in South Carolina must also be licensed by the state. To get a license, potential mediators must pass a written exam administered by the South Carolina Institute of Conflict Resolution. The exam covers topics such as mediation techniques, legal ethics, and the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. Mediators in South Carolina are also subject to certain professional and ethical standards. Those standards include remaining impartial, providing a fair and balanced environment, maintaining confidentiality, and preventing conflicts of interest. A mediator must also be honest, impartial, free from bias, and act in good faith. Any mediator who violates these rules can be fined, suspended, or even barred from practicing.

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Are there any restrictions on who can be a mediator?

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