Family Mediator Certification Board - Concord, NH

Family Mediator Certification Board

Regulatory Oversight

The Family Mediator Certification Board is the state regulatory body responsible for overseeing the profession of family mediation in New Hampshire. Administratively attached to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), the Board was established to safeguard the public by ensuring that mediators practicing in the state's family court system meet rigorous educational, ethical, and professional standards. Family mediation is a critical process used to resolve disputes involving divorce, parenting plans, and post-divorce modifications outside of a traditional courtroom trial. The Board's primary mandate is to certify qualified individuals and to investigate any complaints of misconduct or incompetence filed by the public against certified mediators.

Certification and Standards

The Board sets the criteria for becoming a Certified Family Mediator in New Hampshire. This includes verifying that applicants have completed the required 48 hours of core training (covering family law, domestic violence, and mediation skills) and have fulfilled internship requirements under the supervision of an experienced mentor. The Board also:

• Maintains the Registry: Publishes the official list of certified family mediators available to the courts and the public.
• Continuing Education: Enforces requirements for ongoing professional development to ensure mediators stay current with changes in family law and best practices.
• Ethical Enforcement: Adjudicates disciplinary matters and enforces the Code of Ethics for Family Mediators.

Administrative Information

While the Board's historical roots and some operations were previously associated with the judicial branch complexes near Capitol Street, administrative functions such as licensing renewals, application processing, and board meetings are now centralized under the OPLC. The Board does not provide mediation services directly to the public; rather, it serves as the licensing authority for the providers. Individuals seeking a mediator for their case should consult the Board's public directory.