• To learn the practical skills, strategies and techniques necessary for effective mediation practice

• To understand the theoretical foundation of conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation theory

• To appreciate the ethical standards and issues and policy considerations of mediation practice

• To learn strategic communication and facilitation techniques

• To incorporate substantive and legal expertise into mediation

• To learn to work with representational legal counsel and other participant advisors

• To develop skills and strategies for joint, caucus and multi-party sessions

• To learn techniques for establishing and marketing a successful mediation practice

 

 

 

 

This training addresses issues associated with mediating divorce, family and interpersonal issues utilizing the following techniques:

 

 

• demonstrations of the mediation process

• videotape presentations

• lecture and discussion

• participant role-play exercises with faculty feedback

• extensive course materials

 

Please note that specific trainings may operate on somewhat modified schedules. It is common for this training to end at between 2 and 3 p.m. on the final day. The seminar includes presentation, demonstrations, videotape and approximately eight hours of participant exercises.

 

 

 

 

8 - 10 Introductions and Seminar Overview

 

 

10 - noon Conflict Resolution Theory

     A. The Nature of Conflict (Ugli Eggs Exercise - 15 minutes)

     B. The Adjudicatory Model

     C. Conflict: A Problem to be Solved

     D. Types of Conflict

     E. Ways of Dealing with Conflict (Integrative Negotiation Role Play - 30 minutes)

 

 

1 - 3 Alternative (Appropriate) Dispute Resolution

     A. A Spectrum of Processes (Exercise on various processes June and Henry Role Play - 1 hour)

     B. The ADR Processes

     C. Dispute Resolution Mythology

 

 

3:15 - 5 Psychological and Emotional Issues of Divorce

     A. Divorce Effects and Prevalence

     B. Effects of Divorce on Children

     C. Introduction to Family Systems Theory

     D. Emotional Stages of Ending a Relationship

     E. Comparing Mediation and Litigation

     F. Typical Reactions of Children to Divorce

 

 

 

 

8 - noon Mediation and Negotiation (cont.)

     A. Competitive and Integrative Approaches

     B. Principled Negotiation

     C. Negotiation Power

     D. Balancing Negotiation Power?

     E. Overall Facilitative Structure

 

 

1 - 2 Being a Mediator

     A. The Science and Art of Mediation

     B. Roles of the Mediator

     C. Benefits of Mediation

     D. Comparing Business and Family Mediation

     E. Mediation Cultures

 

 

2 - 4 Overview of Mediation & Getting Started

     A. Qualities of Mediation

     B. Stages of the Mediation Process

     C. Initial Contacts

     D. Sample Letter to Clients

     E. Sample Client Information

     F. Sample Agreement to Mediate

     G. Sample Standards of Mediation Practice

     H. Sample Pre-emptive Letter to Representational Counsel

     I. The Mediator's Opening Statement (mediator opening statement role play - 30 minutes)

     J. Sample Introductory Session Agenda (introductory session exercise - Jane and Keith - 1 hour)

     K. Sample Letter Following Initial Consultation

     L. Sample Suggested Ground Rules

     M. Resolving Pressing Issues

     N. Sample Working Session Agenda

     O. Sample Personal, Financial and Budget Questionnaires

 

 

4 - 5 Mediating Agreement on Parenting Issues

     A. Comprehensive List of Parenting Issues

     B. Custody Language in Mediated Agreements

     C. Children's Rights in Divorce

     D. Developing a Cooperative Co-parenting Relationship

     E. Developmentally-Appropriate Parenting Plans

     F. Erickson's Psycho-social Developmental Stages

     G. Time Sharing Guidelines (role play exercise - The Case of Willie 1 hour)

 

 

 

 

8 - 10 Mediating Agreement on Parenting Issues (cont.)

 

 

10 - noon Strategy, Communication and Facilitation Skills

     A. Interest-Based, Option Development Strategies

     B. Hypothesis Generation and Testing Approaches

     C. Doubt and Dissonance Techniques

     D. Emotional/Relational Management

     E. Question Forms

     F. Outcome and Evidence Questioning

     G. Rapport Development

     H. Indirect Techniques

     I. An Overall Model

 

 

1 - 5 pm Mediating Parenting Disputes Exercises (and catch up) (role play exercise - Norman and Terri 1 hour) and video (role play exercise - Pat and Tom - 1 hour) and video

 

 

 

 

8 - noon Facilitating Agreement on Child and Spousal Support

     A. Overview of Child Support

     B. Facilitating Agreement Under the Child Support Guidelines

     C. Customized Child Support Calculation

     D. Facilitating Agreement on Spousal Support

     E. Calculation of Spousal Support

     F. State Child Support Materials (child support exercise - Risa and Peter 1 hour)

 

 

1 - 5 Facilitating Agreement on Property & Debt Issues

     A. Facilitating Agreement on Property & Debt Issues

     B. Sample Property and Debt Division Chart

     C. Mediating Financial Issues Under State Law (property and debt division role play exercise - Jane and Keith - 1 hour)

 

 

 

 

8 - 9 Tax Issues in Divorce

 

 

9 - 10 Drafting the Parties' Agreement

     A. Drafting the Parties' Agreement

     B. Sample Agreement Provisions

 

 

10 - noon Practice and Policy Issues in Mediation

     A. Assessing the Appropriateness of Mediation

     B. Power, Control and Abuse

     C. Determining Appropriateness for Mediation

     D. Power Balancing and Safety Issues in Mediation

     E. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Issues in Mediation

     F. Child Abuse Issues in Mediation

 

 

1 - 2 Practice and Policy (cont.)

 

 

3 - 4 Mediation Ethics

 

 

4 - 6 Professional and Practice Development

     A. National and State ADR Organizations

     B. Organizational Materials

     C. Selected Bibliography

 

40-hour, 5 day course ACR Approved Course. Register early to ensure admission