{"id":357650,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/adr\/legal-help-and-resources\/do-i-need-a-mediation-lawyer-for-my-mediation-session.html"},"modified":"2026-06-22T08:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T13:49:00","slug":"do-i-need-a-mediation-lawyer-for-my-mediation-session","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/legal-help-and-resources\/do-i-need-a-mediation-lawyer-for-my-mediation-session.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Mediation Lawyer for My Mediation Session?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need a Lawyer for My Mediation Session?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Most people don\u2019t need a lawyer for mediation because the process is simple, collaborative, and guided by a neutral third party. But if your property rights, family matters, or long\u2011term legal interests are at stake, a lawyer can help you understand the consequences of your decisions and review any agreement before you sign. An attorney can also help you reach a durable, well\u2011crafted settlement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Most mediation situations don’t require the parties to obtain their own legal counsel. Still, there are situations when it is a good idea to seek a mediation lawyer’s advice. A mediation lawyer is an attorney who understands your legal issue and is familiar with the mediation process.<\/p>\n

Mediation\u00a0is a form of\u00a0alternative dispute resolution (ADR)<\/a> that involves the assistance\u00a0of a neutral third party. It is designed to help people work through conflicts without needing a judge or legal proceedings.<\/p>\n

This is part of why lawyers are seldom needed in mediation situations. Unlike many laws and legal processes, the rules of mediation are straightforward and easy to understand. Most people can figure out the mediation process on their own.<\/p>\n

This article discusses when to use a lawyer for mediation and key considerations when seeking the right legal professional for your issue. It also offers tips for finding a qualified mediation lawyer<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n

When Should You Use a Lawyer for Mediation?<\/h2>\n

In some situations, it is a good idea to consult with or retain a lawyer for mediation. This is the case, for instance, if your property rights are being affected.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0divorce process<\/a>\u00a0is often resolved through mediation. Consulting a divorce lawyer familiar with mediation before proceeding with family law mediation in family court can be beneficial. A divorce attorney can help divorcing couples avoid divorce litigation by utilizing mediation in a family law case. Many state courts, including Missouri, promote the use of mediation in child custody and support matters by\u00a0court rule<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In contrast to arbitration<\/a>, the third-party mediator will not decide the matter. The mediator works with the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement that resolves the dispute. If the parties reach agreement, an attorney can be a valuable tool for drafting or reviewing the final document. This is especially so when the final document will be a court order.<\/p>\n

A mediation lawyer can also help you understand the consequences of certain decisions. This will help you make the best decisions for yourself in mediation<\/a>. You can even make obtaining a mediation lawyer’s approval a condition of all settlement agreements made in mediation.<\/p>\n

Considerations When Selecting a Mediation Lawyer<\/h2>\n

If you do decide to use a lawyer for your mediation process, consider the following<\/a>:<\/p>\n