This intensive five-day, 40-hour synchronous divorce mediation training course prepares students from various professional backgrounds (law, mental health finance, etc.) to work within the interest-based negotiation dispute resolution model of mediation. Students will learn basic mediation skills through lecture, assigned readings, demonstrations, presentations, and interactive role-plays and model how to work as neutral facilitators using the structured process to help people in the emotionally charged area of divorce and family conflict.
Everyone I talked to said the quality of instruction at Northwestern would be superior to other options out there. It’s worth the wait. Do the quality course through Northwestern.”
The Divorce Mediation Certification program touches upon the following subject areas:
The "interest-based” dispute resolution model
The time-limited, future-focused, results-oriented, self-determined conflict resolution process of Facilitative Mediation
Laws and emotional stages of divorce and family conflicts
Screening of mediation participants for appropriateness and readiness for mediation and the development of awareness of mediator influence, bias and neutrality
Effective neutral facilitation and the personal and professionals shifts necessary to retool their skills to become effective mediators
Observation and practice of mediation skills in realistic role-plays and the development of empathy for families in conflict by serving as participants in mediation role-plays
Legal and ethical concerns faced by mediators and understanding mediator credentialing
Integration of mediation services into their current professional practices
Continuing Education Credits for Counselors, Mediators and Attorneys
IMHCA Credit (Mental Health Counselors)
The divorce mediation training program is co-sponsored by the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association. The IMHCA is licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to provide 35 CEs for LSWs, LCSWs, LPCs, LCPCs and LMFTs.
MCLE Credit (Attorneys)
Northwestern's divorce mediation training course is approved for 35.75 general MCLE credits by the Illinois MCLE Board. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has approved for 12.25 hours professional responsibility credit. Please be advised that this course does not fulfill the 1 hour of diversity and inclusion CLE or 1 hour of mental health and substance abuse CLE under the revised CLE rule for professional responsibility in Illinois that went into effect on July 1, 2017.
You may also earn continuing education credits for other jurisdictions. We will be able to complete any required documents, but you will pay the fees for the credits which may range from free to over $100. You may wish to review the American Bar Association CLE website and find your jurisdiction in advance.
Association and Court Approval
Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Northwestern's divorce mediation course is an Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) approved 40-hour divorce mediation training program. ACR approved courses are accepted by many courts and mediation rosters to meet their basic training requirements in divorce and family mediation. Check with your local jurisdiction for specific information about training requirements.
Northwestern's divorce mediation certification program is approved by the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission and satisfies the 40-Hour Family training requirements for certification as set out in the Requirements for Certification of Mediators for Circuit Courts.
Court Approved Training Program
Northwestern’s divorce mediation training program has been approved by the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division of Cook County as satisfying one of the requirements to become a Certified Mediator in Cook County. Please see Rule 13.4(x)(b) for minimum qualifications for inclusion on Court-Certified Mediator roster for Cook County Domestic Relations Division.
Northwestern's training program is approved by the New York State Unified Court System's Office of ADR Programs under Part 146. Registrants who intend to apply to a New York State trial court roster may need additional training in New York court-specific rules and procedures and relevant New York law. Final placement on any court roster is at the discretion of the local Administrative Judge and participation in this course does not guarantee placement on a local court roster
Northwestern's program is approved by theArkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commissionto satisfy the certification requirement for a 40-hour family mediation training course as set out in the Requirements for Certification of Mediators for Circuit Courts.
Careers in Divorce Mediation
Mediators may work for themselves, or be appointed by courts to settle disputes. Judges, attorneys and social workers can further their career or start a new one with this program as a cornerstone. Read more on the careers in divorce mediation page.
Find out more
Northwestern's Divorce Mediation Training Program
Contact SPS Enrollment Advisers
SPS Enrollment Advisers at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies can be a resource to you for inquiries regarding our divorce mediation certification program, as well all other SPS programs.
Divorce Mediation Core Course
Core Courses:
Course Detail
Divorce Mediation Training DIV_MED 201-0
This intensive five-day, 40-hour synchronous course prepares
students from various professional backgrounds (law, mental health
finance, etc.) to work within the interest-based negotiation
dispute resolution model of mediation. Students will learn basic
mediation skills through lecture, assigned readings,
demonstrations, presentations, and interactive role-plays and model
how to work as neutral facilitators using the structured process to
help people in the emotionally charged area of divorce and family
conflict.
Registered students can access their online course site
here. An
activated NetID and password is required for login. *Please note:
It may take up to 24-hours for registered students to be added to
the online course platform.
