IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ -- TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Part 146 Approved: This mediation training is approved by the New York State Unified Court System’s Office of ADR Programs under Part 146.
- Final placement on any court roster is at the discretion of the local Administrative Judge, and participation in a course does not guarantee placement on a local court roster.
- Some courts may require additional training and experience beyond Part 146’s requirements.
- Acceptance on court rosters may depend on a court’s need for mediators at any given time and may include a particular court’s need for mediators with specific case-type training or experience.

Technical Requirements: Students are expected to have their own computer with internet access, broadband connection, speakers, a microphone, and a working webcam or HD webcam. Students are expected to be able to access and use Zoom at a basic level, with video and audio turned on at all times. For system requirements, please see: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-Zoom-system-requirements-Windows-macOS-Linux

Access to Part 1: Access to the 20-hour online training is immediate upon registration and payment. This, go-at-your-own-pace part of the program, must be completed before a student can move onto Part 2.

Access to Part 2: Access to the 40-hour interactive live mediation skills training will be available to trainees that have completed Part 1, with classes filled on a rolling basis pursuant to the live-training calendar. All students are expected to attend and actively participate in all ten (10) instructor-led live sessions, and must have their cameras on during each session. If a student misses a session, they can continue attending the other sessions but will be required to make up any missed sessions the next time the live program is offered in order to graduate. The live mediation skills training will be offered approximately two or three times a year.

Refund Policy: Refunds for Part 1 (the 20-hour online training) and Part 2 (the 40-hour live via Zoom training) are not available. If an unavoidable conflict arises, students can delay attending the live training until the next time it is offered. In the event of extenuating circumstances, refunds (partial or full) may be considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to a $275 administrative fee.

Rescheduling: The Council reserves the right to reschedule a live training to meet the minimum number of students required to have a dynamic training experience. For students, if an unavoidable conflict arises, you can delay attending the live training until the next time it is offered.  

Oversubscription: If the 40-hour live training is oversubscribed, students will be admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis, giving priority to students who have already completed their 20-hour pre-requisite training. Students not able to attend the live training will be put on a waiting list, and will be given priority to attend the next live session. 

Scholarships: The Council is committed to providing access to Divorce Mediation for all families in all communities throughout NYS, with a firm belief that family mediation is integral to Human Justice. Prospective trainees representing diverse communities in NYS, as well as trainees experiencing financial hardship, may email [email protected] for more details. 

Videos and Handouts: Students will have access to their training portal, including the 20-hour subject matter videos, for a period of one year after the date of their registration and payment. Students are encouraged to refer to the training materials in their portal and rewatch the videos as often as desired. The videos are not downloadable. The handouts and the Student Manual are downloadable. 

Assessments/Quizzes: Throughout the program, students will be required to complete a number of assessments to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter presented. Students can retake assessments until they pass. 

Evaluations: Likewise, students will be asked to complete session/trainer evaluations throughout the program. 

Release of Liability: This training is a first step toward becoming a divorce mediator. Information shared is for educational purposes and not to be considered specific recommendations for any real-world case. Students will be given comprehensive information and will be trained on best practices. However, as with any profession, proficiency comes with ongoing learning and experience. Students will not hold the Council and/or its trainers liable for any errors or omissions they make mediating real-world divorce cases. 

Ongoing Education: To continue their education after the training, students will receive a complimentary, one-year membership in the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation. Membership will give students access to free educational opportunities including local Peer Groups, the Statewide Online Peer Group/Council Chat, the member listserv, and the mentorship program. Membership includes discounts on paid events, which include our Annual Conference (in person during the spring) as well as the Fall and Winter Symposia (online). 

Recording Permission: Students give the Council permission to record and use their training sessions as needed.  

Attendance and Engagement: Attendance will be taken during the 40-hour live training and the student’s participation/engagement level will be evaluated. 

Certificate of Completion: A certificate of completion will be provided upon a student’s successful completion of the training. 

All aspects of this training program are copyrighted by the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.