. Understand the Certification Landscape
MfN-Registered Mediators (Mediatorsfederatie Nederland)
- This is the national register of mediators who meet strict Dutch standards—training, ethics, ongoing education, and complaint procedures .
- Only MfN-registered mediators can handle legal aid cases subsidised by the Dutch Legal Aid Board
ADR International Register
- A quality-assured register run by an international body for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals
- For more information please visit Mediation Netherlands
IMI Certified Mediators (International Mediation Institute)
- IMI credentials (Qualified or Certified) indicate internationally recognized training and assessment
2. Where to Look: Trusted Registers
| Register / Platform | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| MfN Register | Official Dutch registry — strict qualifications, code of conduct, formal structure. |
| ADR International Register | Broader, international credentials if cross-border mediation is relevant. |
| Legal Aid Board Register | Contains MfN mediators eligible for subsidised mediation services. |
| Counselr | Quickly matches you with MfN-registered mediators, searchable by language, region, area of law. |
| IMI Registry | For finding mediators with internationally recognized IMI training. |
3. Steps to Find Your Mediator
- Identify Your Needs: What type of dispute is it? Family, commercial, employment, etc. Do you need a mediator who speaks a specific language or offers legal aid?
- Search the MfN Register:
- Use the MfN’s official website to search by name or criteria (“Zoek op Naam”) for qualified professionals
- Use Counselr:
- A user-friendly platform with filters for region, language, and legal area. All mediators are MfN-registered
- Check the ADR Register (if relevant) for internationally-affiliated mediators.
- Consider IMI Certification if you need a mediator recognized for their international training credentials.
- Evaluate Qualifications & Fit:
- Ensure they meet training, ethical standards, and have the appropriate experience or specialization (e.g., family, business) .
- Review Complaints or Disciplinary Records:
- MfN mediators are governed by complaint and disciplinary procedures .
- Ask Practical Questions:
- Confirm availability, fees (especially if seeking legal aid), confidentiality policies, and which mediation rules apply.
Community Insight
There isn’t a widely known review-based platform for mediators (like Yelp). A Reddit user pointed out:
“When you select a name, details about that mediator are shown, including whether or not any Public Discipline has been entered. Unfortunately, that is the limit of the official record… word of mouth from other attorneys is often a good source.”
For more information please visit business mediator in the Netherlands
So, personal referrals can be valuable in gauging reputation.
Summary: Quick Checklist
- Determine the domain of mediation (family, labour, business, etc.).
- Search MfN Register.
- Try the Counselr platform for filtered options.
- Consider ADR or IMI if needed.
- Check training, specialization, ethical oversight, and costs.
- Ask about the Mediation Agreement, Rules, Code of Conduct, and complaints procedures (standard in MfN process)
- Seek recommendations or referrals when possible .
