Divorce Mediation Intensive

Catalog description

This course will examine the role of mediation in resolving family disputes, focusing on divorce. Students will explore the theory, practice and techniques of mediation as applied to divorce and parenting conflicts, including: an examination of the options for dealing with conflict and an exploration of the spectrum of alternative dispute resolution processes; theories on structuring the mediation process; insights into defusing emotional issues in negotiations, and, learning the techniques necessary to conduct an effective mediation. All the legal issues that arise in divorce, such as division of property, parenting of children, tax issues, and child and spousal support will be examined, with an emphasis both on absorbing the fundamental points of law as well as learning how to guide people to informed decision-making as a mediator. Divorce mediation role plays will be integrated throughout the course to provide experiential learning of the material. Students can expect to leave the course with a working knowledge of family mediation; the three-credit version this course may also meet the training requirements for membership in the ACR (Association of Conflict Resolution), formerly the Academy of Family Mediators. (SUMMER INTENSIVE).