Whether someone may mediate for you depends on the connection that person has to either the case or the people involved in the mediation.  Because a mediator must be both neutral and impartial, the mediator should not have any close connection to anyone in the dispute or anyone participating in the mediation.  If the mediator does have such a close personal or business connection, (examples: parent, employee, landlord) the mediator may not mediate that dispute.  If the connection is not close, then the mediator must disclose the connection. If you recognize any connection or relationship to the mediator, you must disclose the connection as soon as you are aware of the connection.  Once the connection is disclosed, if all parties agree, the mediator may serve.