How do we select a Divorce Mediator?
Choose a mediator as you would choose a heart surgeon! Carefully check out the
mediator's background and experience. Because divorce mediation is a relatively new
field, it is not yet highly regulated nor is their much assurance that a
particular mediator is sufficiently experienced to meet your needs. Get
references from reliable professionals. Ask the prospective mediator how many
cases he/she has mediated.
On Staten Island, divorce mediators include a disbarred attorney,
social workers with absolutely no legal training and persons who are
just beginning their careers in Divorce Mediation. Some of these folks
have only conducted 10 or 20 mediations in their entire career and do
Divorce Mediation as a part-time sideline! Do not let them learn at
your expense. There is some opinion within the field that a mediator
does not become masterful until completion of at least 100 cases.
Choose carefully - don't be afraid to ask the prospective mediator how
many divorce mediations he/she has conducted to completion.
Mr. Leininger has been mediating
divorces here on Staten Island since 1994, and has practiced Family Law
for 30 years. He has lectured about Divorce Mediation for 14 years.
Mr. Leininger has appeared on national radio and TV shows, including
the Phil Donohue Show, Sallie Jessie Raphael Show, CBS Morning Show,
the Today Show, etc. He has mediated well over 200 divorce cases to a
completion, and is the most experienced attorney divorce mediator on
Staten Island.