Becoming a family mediator: role, state diploma, salary and prospects

Separation, divorce, conflict between parents and teenagers, disagreement over an elderly parent: when a family can no longer talk, the family mediator helps it renew the dialogue and find its own solutions. This job, governed by a state diploma in France, is for professionals who already hold a first qualification, and psychology studies are one of the most natural foundations. This profile is part of our guide to careers in psychology.

What does a family mediator do?

The job

The family mediator is an impartial, independent third party with no decision-making power. They do not judge, advise or decide: they create a space where everyone can speak and be heard, so that people build lasting agreements themselves. If the parties wish, these agreements can then be submitted to the judge for approval.

When do they step in?

• Separation or divorce: where the children will live, sharing costs, communication between parents.
• Conflicts between parents and young adults, or between grandparents and parents.
• Decisions about an elderly or dependent parent, contested inheritances.
• Families whose members live in different countries.

Mediation can be requested by the people themselves or suggested by a family court judge.

What are the duties of a family mediator?

• Inform about mediation during a first meeting, free in most services.
• Lead the sessions: bring out each person’s needs, ease tensions, rephrase, help consider solutions.
• Support the drafting of agreements that the parties can have approved by a judge.
• Work in a network with judges, lawyers, social workers and psychologists.

Skills and qualities of a family mediator

The job requires strong listening skills, neutrality, patience and emotional resilience: sessions are often charged with anger or sadness. It also requires knowledge of family law and of developmental and family psychology, and command of communication and conflict-management techniques.

What psychology brings

Psychology studies prepare directly for several aspects of the job: understanding the dynamics of a couple or a family, the impact of a separation on children, the mechanisms of conflict, and conducting an interview without taking sides. Note, however, that mediation is not therapy, and the mediator does not provide psychological care.

Studies and training to become a family mediator

The title of family mediator is not protected by law in France: in theory, mediation can be offered without a diploma, especially in private practice. In practice, the state diploma of family mediator (DEMF) is required by family mediation services funded by the family allowance funds (CAF), which employ most mediators, and it is the reference for judges and lawyers.

The state diploma of family mediator (DEMF)

The DEMF is prepared in approved training centres. The training totals 595 hours, including 490 hours of teaching and 105 hours of placement, and usually takes 18 months to 3 years, often one week a month, so it can be combined with a job. It covers the mediation process, law, and the psychology and sociology of the family.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on an application and an interview. Candidates must meet one of these conditions: hold a French national degree at bachelor’s level in psychology, law or sociology; or a social work or health diploma; or a diploma at bac+2 level with three years’ experience in supporting families. The diploma can also be obtained through the validation of prior experience (VAE).

Studying at ESPÉ

ESPÉ’s Bachelor in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology provide the foundations in family and developmental psychology and in interviewing that are useful for this job. ESPÉ degrees are institutional degrees: before applying, check with the training centre that your degree is accepted. More about our degrees and their recognition.

Salary and working conditions of a family mediator

The job does not yet have its own pay scale in every collective agreement: the salary depends on the employer. According to Onisep, it is around €1,870 gross a month at the start of a career. Many mediators work part-time in a service, sometimes alongside another activity or a private practice.

Career prospects for a family mediator

Family mediators mainly work in family mediation associations and services, often funded by the family allowance funds, and in parent-child contact centres. With experience, they can coordinate a service, train other professionals, specialise in international or intergenerational mediation, or set up in private practice.

Why become a family mediator?

It is a useful job at difficult moments of life, which often protects children from the consequences of a conflict between adults. It suits people who like listening and dialogue, and who want to put their knowledge of psychology at the service of families, without providing care.