IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ -- TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ADVANCED TRAINING IN FOUNDATIONS OF DRAFTING
Advanced Trainings: These focused and interactive trainings are meant for attendees who have completed a 40+ hour program in Divorce Mediation. If you have not had that foundation, please check out our 60-Hour Divorce Mediation Training.
For mediators who DO NOT practice law, we have developed Foundations of Drafting MOUs with you in mind.
For mediators who DO practice law, we have developed Foundations of Drafting Separation & Settlement Agreements with you in mind.
Class Size & Structure: Classes are offered online via Zoom for convenience and accessibility. There is a limit of 21 seats per class so that your two interdisciplinary trainers can provide an interactive, hands-on drafting environment with personal coaching opportunities.
CLEs are provided to NY attorneys. Attorneys from other states would have to check with their respective Bar Associations for reciprocity.
Technical Requirements: Trainees are expected to have their own computer with internet access, broadband connection, speakers, a microphone, and a working webcam or HD webcam. Trainees 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, click here.
Discounts: Discounts are offered to teams of three or more. Periodically, flash sales are offered briefly several times a year for individuals. Flash sales, team discounts or any other discounts, now or in the future, CANNOT be combined.
Refund Policy: If a student has registered for a training course and is unable to attend for any reason (illness, work, family commitments, etc.), a refund or rollover request must be submitted in writing via email to director@nysmediate.org by the applicable deadline below.
3 DAYS FROM REGISTRATION
If a written refund request is received within 3 calendar days of the original date of registration for the class, a fully paid student may receive a change-of-mind refund for the amount paid, minus a $50 administration and handling fee.
REFUND 60 DAYS PRIOR TO FIRST DAY OF CLASS
If a written refund request is received 60 days or more prior to the first day of class (before 9:00 AM Eastern on the first day of class), and the student HAS NOT accessed the 20-hour recorded portion of the training, a fully paid student may receive a refund of fees paid, minus a $100 non-refundable deposit.
REFUND MORE THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR TO FIRST DAY OF CLASS AND LESS THAN 60 DAYS
If a written refund request is received less than 60 days but more than 7 days prior to the first day of class (before 9:00 AM Eastern on the 7th day prior to the first day of class), a fully paid student may receive a refund of 50% of the fees paid, inclusive of the $100 non-refundable deposit. Accessing the 20-hour recorded portion of the training does not change this refund amount.
NO REFUND WITHIN 7 DAYS OF CLASS
If a written cancellation request is received within 7 days of the first day of class, or if the student withdraws during the training, there will be no refund of fees paid. However, the student may complete the same training within 365 days of the original enrollment date.
ROLLOVERS
If no written refund request is received by the applicable refund deadline, the student’s registration will automatically transfer to the next available offering of the training. The student will have 365 days from the original enrollment date to complete the training. Any unused fees or credits remaining after 365 days will be forfeited. A student may also request a rollover with the same conditions.
Rescheduling: The Council reserves the right to reschedule a live training to meet the minimum number of trainees required in order to have a dynamic training experience. If the NYSCDM must cancel a class for any reason, students will be notified as soon as possible, and tuition will be credited towards future training(s) of equal or lesser value, at the choice of the student. If a fully paid student wants a refund, they can request a refund for the full amount paid (no administration or handling fees will be charged) within 14 days of the class cancellation with written notice via email.
Post-Divorce Participation Policy: To protect the learning environment and support participant well-being, we recommend the following regarding trainees who are personally navigating divorce:
1. Eligibility Timing -- If you are currently in the process of your own separation or divorce, it is strongly discouraged that you participate in this training at this time. Divorce mediation training involves emotionally charged scenarios that may be triggering for anyone, and especially for individuals actively undergoing their own separation or divorce.
2. One-Year Post-Divorce Requirement -- You may enroll once at least one year has passed since the legal conclusion of your divorce. This buffer period is designed to allow space for emotional processing, integration, and stability before engaging in work that requires neutrality, professional distance, and reflective practice.
3. Self-Assessment of Readiness -- After the one-year period, participation is welcome provided you honestly assess that you are emotionally ready and able to draw on your personal experience in a way that enhances, rather than disrupts, your learning and the safety of the training community.
4. Trainer Discretion -- The program reserves the right to make final determinations regarding participant readiness if concerns arise about a trainee’s ability to fully engage in the curriculum or maintain a supportive learning environment.
Capacity Reached: Once all 21 seats are filled, the class is considered to be at capacity and full. After the class has reached capacity, any other trainees will be placed on a waiting list in the event of cancellations, and/or will be given priority to attend the next live session of their choice.
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. Instructions on how to apply can be found here.
Evaluations: Likewise, trainees will be asked to complete session/trainer evaluations at the end of the program.
Release of Liability: This training is a way to advance your knowledge as a divorce mediator through ongoing education. Information shared is for educational purposes and not to be considered specific recommendations for any real-world case. Trainees will be given comprehensive information and will be trained on best practices. However, as with any profession, proficiency comes with ongoing learning and experience. Trainees will not hold the Council and/or its trainers liable for any errors or omissions they make mediating real-world divorce cases.
Recording Permission: Trainees and trainers give the Council permission to record and use their training sessions as needed.
Attendance and Engagement: Attendance will be taken during the live training and the trainee’s participation/engagement level will be evaluated. To optimize the learning and bonding experience for everyone in the program, all trainees are expected to attend with cameras on, in a reasonably quiet office or home space, and activity participate in group discussions and breakout exercises.
Certificate of Completion: A certificate of completion will be provided upon a trainee’s successful completion of the training.
All aspects of this training program are copyrighted by the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.
