Prepare a list of your most important questions, then interview several mediators. Choosing a mediator is a personal matter. Mediators MUST be completely neutral to the parties and the issues involved. Most people in conflict want it to end as soon as possible and resolve it in a timely and cost effective manner. They want to choose someone they believe is going to assist them in getting it resolved.
Most professional mediators charge for their services on an hourly basis.
While there are some who will mediate for free, be forewarned, you may get what you pay for. There have been plenty of studies that clearly demonstrate that mediation is a whole lot cheaper than litigation. Mediated settlements are often adhered to far into the future, while litigation often produces an adversarial relationship and continued litigation year after year. Then look up Tennessee Rule 31 Approved Mediators using our Online Mediator Locator .