Qualify to Accept Family Court Mediation Referrals in West Virginia
40-Hour Family Court Mediation Training
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in family law? Our forty-hour Family Court Mediation Training equips you with the skills, knowledge, and certification required to mediate custody disputes in West Virginia. Designed for aspiring mediators, legal professionals, and those passionate about conflict resolution, this immersive program blends interactive online learning, hands-on role-playing, and expert-led discussions to prepare you for real-world mediation. With guidance from experienced attorneys and guest experts, you'll gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate complex custody cases and help families reach fair, child-focused resolutions. Take the next step in your career and become a certified family court mediator in West Virginia! Registration is limited to thirty participants. For a detailed agenda, click here. To register, click here.
Overview of the Course:
This course provides new mediators with the education and training necessary to accept court referrals to mediate custody disputes in West Virginia under W.Va. Code 48-9-202. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of mediation principles, practical skills, and hands-on experience to effectively facilitate custody-related mediation sessions. Participants will also gain mediation skills that may be useful in other contexts. The program has been approved as satisfy the training required by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to qualify mediators to accept referrals. (Mediators will also be required to observe and co-mediate before becoming fully approved.)
Designed as a seven-week hybrid program, the course combines interactive online sessions with an immersive in-person segment:
Online Component: Participants will attend weekly three-hour live sessions over seven weeks.
In-Person Training: A two-day intensive session at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, West Virginia will provide practical, face-to-face training.
Final Online Session: The course concludes with a final virtual meeting to address outstanding questions and guide participants through the family court mediator certification process in West Virginia.
Interactive Learning Experience
The course is highly interactive, utilizing a mix of:
Lectures from experienced mediators and legal professionals
Small group discussions for collaborative learning
Role-playing exercises to build practical mediation skills
Participants will receive digital course materials, including written guides and case studies. A list of recommended readings and pre-session materials will be provided, ensuring participants are well-prepared for each segment.
Participation & Attendance
Active participation is essential. Full attendance is required to receive verification of completion. If a participant must miss one online session, the instructors may allow a makeup session for an additional cost at their discretion. However, due to the interactive nature of the training, recordings will not be available.
Instructors & Guest Experts
The lead instructor is a licensed attorney approved by the West Virginia Supreme Court to accept Family Court mediation referrals. She will be assisted by a second licensed attorney with similar credentials. Additionally, participants will learn from three distinguished guest speakers:
A child specialist from Virginia specializing in collaborative family law
An expert in domestic violence and mediation
A current or former West Virginia Family Court judge
This course provides an invaluable foundation for those seeking to become certified family court mediators in West Virginia, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success.