Rule 1940.4.Minimum Qualifications of the Mediator.
Last amended July 21, 2004 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1940.4 sets the minimum qualifications a custody mediator must have, including education and practical experience in a relevant field.
(a)A mediator must have at least the following qualifications:
(1)a bachelor’s degree and practical experience in law, psychiatry, psy- chology, counseling, family therapy or any comparable behavioral or social science field;
(2)successful completion of basic training in domestic and family violence or child abuse and a divorce and custody mediation program approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution, American Bar Association, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, or Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts;
(3)mediation professional liability insurance; and
(4)additional mediation training consisting of a minimum of 4 mediated cases totaling 10 hours under the supervision of a mediator who has complied with subdivisions (1) through (3) above and is approved by the court to super- vise other mediators.
(b)The mediator shall comply with the ethical standards of the mediator pro- fession as well as those of his or her primary profession and complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in topics related to family media- tion.
(c)A post-graduate student enrolled in a state or federally accredited educa- tional institution in the disciplines of law, psychiatry, psychology, counseling, family therapy or any comparable behavioral or social science field may mediate with direct and actual supervision by a qualified mediator.
Plain-English Summary
Mediating custody calls for real skill, so this rule sets a floor. A mediator must have at least the qualifications the rule lists — a bachelor's degree and practical experience in a relevant field such as law, psychology, or counseling, along with mediation training. The requirements help ensure parents work with a competent neutral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is qualified to mediate a custody case?
A mediator meeting the minimum qualifications in Rule 1940.4, including education and practical experience in a relevant field.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1940.4 amended July 21, 2004, effective immediately, 34 Pa.B. 4107. Immediately preceeding text appears at serial page (270832).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:mediator qualificationscustody mediator requirementsmediator training