Divorce Mediation Training

This 24 hour course is designed for mediators who are interested in the practice of divorce mediation. The training integrates substantive information with practice through interactive role playing experience. Prerequisite: Basic Mediation Training.

Faculty

David Hoffman
Brad Honoroff
Jane Honoroff
Joyce Kauffman
Michael L. Leshin
Hon. Maureen Monks
Gail Packer
Rita S. Pollak
Cynthia Runge
Hon. Eileen M. Shaevel (Ret.)

Cynthia Runge, CDSC’s Coordinator of Court and Divorce Mediation Services, will facilitate each session.

Session Dates & Times

Fri., May 7, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat., May 8, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tue., May 11, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat., May 15, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Location

CDSC Offices, 60 Gore St.,
East Cambridge
(near Lechmere T, Galleria, courthouses)

Cost

$695 ($675 early registration by Apr. 1st)
$595 for volunteers with other Community Mediation Centers
$400 for CDSC volunteers

Session Overview

Session I: Overview of Divorce Mediation: Legal and practical issues; custody and parenting; access options and long-range planning for children; emotional impact of divorce; introduction to Massachusetts law.

Session II: Alimony, Health Insurance, Property Division and Non-traditional Families: Review of statute, case law, and custom and practice as concerns spousal support and the equitable division of the marital estate (survey of various types of assets, including pensions). Also, review of continuation health insurance coverage issues (Federal and State law). In addition, mediation for gay, lesbian and unmarried couples; to include analysis of Goodridge.

Session III: Financial Issues in Divorce: Child support guidelines and financial planning; introducing and managing legal and financial planning choices with families in crisis.

Session IV: Reaching Closure: Drafting final product; avoiding pitfalls; skill development. Ethical and practice dilemmas; challenging issues and behaviors.

Enrollment Information

Limited to 24; Enroll early! Registrants who cancel before the cancellation cutoff date (Apr. 10th) will receive a full refund. Later cancellations will be refunded only if space is filled.

We especially encourage individuals with bilingual background or training to apply. Thanks to a grant from the Clipper Ship Foundation, scholarships are available. Call CDSC about eligibility.