32-hour Online Divorce Mediation Training 2024
September 18-21 & 25-28, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. each day
We are adapting to bring high quality divorce mediation training 100% online!
Purpose of the Training
To give you practical experience for addressing any style and degree of conflict related to divorce and family law using unique and proven mediation tools and techniques. This is achieved by conducting a basic divorce mediation from start to finish applying FRIs innovative 5-Phase Mediation Process. You will learn how to diffuse and cool high conflict situations in mere moments.
What You Will Experience
An interactive, immersive multi-media and fun training event rooted in practical application through role playing, Q&A, lecture, and discussion. You will learn and be able to immediately apply a unique mediation structure, and the tools and techniques that go with it. FRI provides the participants with a full color handbook, that includes court forms, sample fee agreements, checklists, mediator specific ethical standards, and significant resources of relevant books and organizations that you can use right away. You will make a connection with the other trainees and gain a new community for support and networking.
This Training is Ideal for…
Any professional working in an area that is related to divorce and family law conflict such as family law lawyers (i.e., litigation, mediation, collaborative, etc.), mental health professionals (i.e., marriage and family therapists, relationship counselors, divorce coaches, psychologists, etc.), financial professionals and realtors.
At the end of the training, you will be able to:
- Conduct a formal mediation and/or use the skills in your practice
- Utilize new mediation techniques for getting past impasse
- Help parties learn to make and respond to proposals
- Hold effective separate meetings with clients
- Listen and respond to clients to find options for settlement
- Manage power imbalances
This training satisfies the requirement in the IACP Minimum Standards for Collaborative Practitioners for “[a]t least one thirty hour training in client centered, facilitative conflict resolution, of the kind typically taught in mediation training (interest-based, narrative or transformative mediation programs).” (See IACP Minium Standards for Collaborative Practitioners at Sections 2.3, 3.4 and 4.5 [adopted 2004 and revised 2014].)
The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals sets standards for training, trainers and practitioners. IACP does not certify or endorse specific trainings. This training program meets the standards of IACP. These standards can be found at www.collaborativepractice.com.
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
- Approved for 32 hours California MCLE credit including 1-hour Ethics and 1-hour Elimination of Bias.
- Approved for California Legal Specialization Credit for Family Law
- Course certificates given upon completion of the whole training. Any time missed must be made up prior to receiving certificate.
- Course meets the qualifications for 32 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
- Family Resolution Institute is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #130208) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Family Resolution Institute maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
Educational Goals
To give you practical experience for addressing any style and degree of conflict related to divorce and family law using unique and proven mediation tools and techniques. This is achieved by conducting a basic divorce mediation from start to finish applying FRI’s innovative 5-Phase Mediation Process. You will learn how to diffuse and cool high conflict situations in mere moments.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the 5 phases of the Mediation process and the purpose of each phase
- Name 3 specific effective listening techniques and their purposes
- Identify 4 reasons to hold a caucus during a mediation
- Name 3 techniques for working with high conflict people
- Distinguish your role as mediator from the role of lawyer, therapist, financial professional or other
Training Agenda
Day One:
- Conflict Theory
- Mediation Models
- Ethical Issues in Mediation
- Rule of Self-determination
- Importance of Law
- Dual Representation
- Mediation vs. Advice
- 30-minute break
- Neutrality- What is it?
- 5 Phases of Mediation
- Phase 1: Introduction, Demo & Practice
Day Two:
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Informed Consent
- Conflicts of Interest
- Intake and Sales
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Confidentiality
- Sales vs. advising
- Mock #1
- 30-minute break
- Neutral Language
Day Three:
- Phase 2: Exploration
- Mock #2
- 30-minute Break
- Active Listening Techniques
- Acknowledge
- Reframe
- Summarize
- Active Listening Practice
Day Four:
- Mock #3
- Pre-Mediation Coaching
- 30-minute break
- ˆPre-Mediation Coaching Practice & Role Play
- Managing Reluctant Participants
Day Five:
- Managing Subsequent Sessions
- Phase 3: Negotiation
- The Negotiation Cycle
- Objective Criteria
- Making Proposals
- Mock #4
- 30-minute break
- Calling and Conducting a Caucus
- Caucus Ethics
Day Six:
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Self-determination
- Generating Options
- Mock #5
- 30-minute break
- Evaluation Techniques
- Reality Testing
- Mock #6
Day Seven:
- Phase 4: Notation
- SMART Agreements
- SMART Agreement Exercise
- Review and Revision Ethics
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- 30-minute break
- Mock #7
Day Eight:
Phase 5: Finalization
- Dealing with Bias
- Mediating Online
- 30-minute Break
- Advanced Issues
- Consulting Attorneys
- Attorneys at the Table
- High Conflict Cases
- Meeting with Children
- Other professionals
- Mock Mediation #8: Fishbowl
*Cancellation and refund policy.
For questions, to see our syllabus, requests for accommodations and/or grievances visit our website at FamilyResolutionInstitute.com. You may also contact Robin Duboe Seigle at [email protected] or 877-361-9909, ext. 1.
Register Now for Online Divorce Mediation Training
Prefer to download a paper registration form?
If you prefer registering the old-fashioned way, just click below to download a paper registration form you can send to us.
Meet Our Lead Trainers & Founders
Shawn D. Skillin
FRI Co-Founder
After practicing law as a family law litigator and minors counsel, Shawn D. Skillin became interested in finding a more collaborative and solution oriented approach to family law cases. She began her mediation practice in 1999. Since then, she has successfully mediated hundreds of family law cases. In addition to maintaining her own family law mediation and Collaborative Divorce practice, Shawn is an educational consultant, speaker and trainer with the High Conflict Institute. She speaks frequently on issues related to mediation and family law. She has been a guest lecturer on mediation at the University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego Christian College and Legal Assistance at Marine Air Station, Camp Pendleton. She has trained military JAG Officers in family law mediation since 2011. Shawn was an intensive care and trauma nurse in her early professional life, earning her BSN from San Diego State University. Shawn then earned her J.D. from the University of San Diego.
Shawn Weber, CLS-F*
FRI Co-Founder
Shawn Weber has a long history with Consensual Dispute Resolution and is known throughout the State of California as an expert in Mediation and Collaborative Practice. Known as a “dolphin” and not a “shark”, Shawn brings a peacemaking philosophy to his more than 20-year career in family law and divorce work. Shawn understands that divorce is more than just a legal process; it’s a human experience.
He has a profound ability to get into the world his clients are experiencing and feeling to uncover the necessary clarity in each divorce relationship dynamic. From there, he uses his gifts to bring a rare sense of calm, resolve and hope.
Shawn has a private practice with Weber Dispute Resolution and serves as President of Collaborative Practice California, an organization promoting Collaborative Practice throughout the State of California. A father of five, Shawn understands the human side of family law and brings his real life experience to the table for his clients.
*Certified Specialist – Family Law
The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Robin Duboe Seigle, J.D.
FRI Co-Founder
Robin Duboe Seigle, J.D., is currently a civil mediator, mediation consultant, a coach for individuals contemplating or beginning the divorce process. She worked for National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) from July 1989 through July 2014 as a Public Relations Coordinator, Mediation Trainer, Court Program Coordinator, and Director of NCRC’s Divorce Mediation Group. Prior to working for NCRC, she became a volunteer mediator in 1984, a mediation trainer in 1985, a large group facilitator in 1987. She has been a member of the California Bar since 1977 and is currently inactive. She has a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA.
Robin learned at the beginning of her law career that mediation was a preferred approach for resolving disputes. Litigation is focused on a win/lose approach whereas mediation focuses on finding a way for all parties to gain something through a negotiated process. It is cost effective, and efficient and, from Robin’s perspective, beneficial in divorce as families are involved.
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