MWI Divorce Mediation Training
MWI's Divorce Mediation Training Program is a comprehensive twenty-four hour divorce mediation training designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to become effective divorce mediators through demonstrations, presentations, exercises, written materials and role-plays. This program is for mediators who have completed at least 30-hours of mediation training, have mediated at least 10 cases in the past two years and are interested in incorporating divorce mediation into their practice. Opportunities to observe and mediate with MWI are available upon successful completion of the training program and post-training skill assessment (see below).
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO
- Prepare mediators to work with divorcing couples in mediation - from case screening to the mediator's opening to agreement writing.
- Increase mediators' capacity to apply a negotiation framework to the mediation process and assist parties in their efforts to define issues, focus their interests and generate options that secure sound resolutions within the context of divorce.
- Inform mediators about mediating divorce cases in the "shadow of the law" and how to help couples work through a variety of issues including support, division of assets/liabilities, custody, insurance, tax filing, etc.
- Provide mediators with information about the effects of divorce on adults and children.
- Assist mediators in their efforts to recognize when assistance of other professionals may be helpful to the mediation process.
DATES / TIMES
Next program - April 12-14, 2013
- Day 1 - Friday, April 12, 2013 - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Day 2 - Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Day 3 - Sunday, April 14, 2013 - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Click here to see additional dates and times
REGISTRATION AND COST
The cost of the training is $775 per person (or $725 if registered a month in advance of the program.) Please call 800-348-4888 x10 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a brochure and registration form. Space is limited to 24 participants.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
- Property distributions, valuation and division of assets, pensions, life insurance, health insurance and taxes.
- The nature and dynamics of conflict within families.
- Impact of divorce on children.
- Screening cases for domestic violence and substance abuse.
- Ethical duties and dilemmas facing divorce mediators.
- A review of principles, methods and styles of mediation.
- Defining issues, identifying interests, analyzing alternatives, transmitting information, communicating effectively, and generating options for resolution within the divorce context.
- The art of effective questioning, interactive listening & empathy.
- Dealing with power differentials, challenging personalities and challenges to mediator neutrality.
- Legal and physical custody.
- Child support, parenting plans and alimony.
- Psychological stages of divorce.
- Preparing memoranda of understanding and other agreements.
- Growing a divorce mediation practice, securing professional liability insurance and opportunities in the field.
- and more. . .
PREREQUISITES
- Training: Mediators must have completed at least 30-hours of basic mediation training in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 233 section 23C (Confidentiality Statute).
- Experience: Mediators must have experience mediating at least ten cases in the past two years.
Questions? Contact Josh Hoch at 617-973-9739 x23 or email
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PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE
- Mediation Manual and Resources: A complete guide to divorce mediation including post-training practice reference materials and a bibliography.
- Certificate of Completion: in accordance with M.G.L. chapter 233 section 23C (Confidentiality Statute). This program also fulfills the continuing education requirement specified in Rule 8(c)(iii) of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution.
- CEUs (Continuing Education Units) available: This program has been approved for 22.5 Category 1 Continuing Education Hours for relicensure with NASW and an application is pending for 24 Category 1 Continuing Education Hours with MMCEP for LMHCs.
- Ethics and Probate & Family Court Overview: In accordance with Rule 7(h), (i) and Rule 9 of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution.
LOCATION
The Boston Bar Association
16 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Click here for hotel information.
Please call the MWI office at 800-348-4888 x21 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for directions and more information about the training program.
TRAINERS and COACHES
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
Hon. E. Chouteau Levine (ret) is a full-time neutral with Levine Dispute Resolution Center, LLC and is a former Justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court where she served from 2001 - 2011. Prior to her appointment by Governor Jane Swift, Judge Levine spent 11 years as a family litigator, negotiator, mediator and ultimately a partner at Boston’s Brown, Rudnick, Freed & Gesmer. She is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the Inns of Court.
Also in attendance will be trainers and role-play coaches from the family, business and academic mediation communities.
POST-TRAINING DIVORCE MEDIATION PAID PRACTICUM
A participant who successfully completes MWI's Divorce Mediation Training and MWI's post-training skill assessment may observe and/or co-mediate with MWI's Divorce Panel members any divorce mediation cases, barring any conflict of interest, that the participant brings to MWI directly or via a referral.
MWI recognizes that after participants receive mediation training they are often left without a place to mediate and do not know how to get the experience to successfully obtain clients and build a practice. MWI's goal is to break that cycle by providing post-training opportunities to newly trained divorce mediators. MWI will meet this goal by providing new divorce mediators opportunities to:
- Observe and learn from experienced divorce mediators who will share best practices, answer questions and provide guidance.
- Mediate for pay with experienced divorce mediators in appropriate mediations.
After the participant refers the case to MWI, MWI's Director of Mediation & Arbitration Services will handle all administrative aspects of the case including: client intake, screening, dissemination of information, fee discussions, assignment of co-mediators and first session scheduling.
For more information about MWI's Divorce Mediation Training and Post-Training Divorce Mediation Practicum, please contact Josh Hoch, Director of Mediation & Arbitration Services at 617-973-9739 x23 or by emailing
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