Mediating Financial and Property Disputes after Separation

Certificates & Evaluation

Supervision

Resources

Testimonials

The course consists of two modules. The first is of three days duration and the second runs for two days. A full program is provided at the commencement of the course. While relevant theoretical material is covered, the course is highly geared towards practical work.

Course Aims:

• To engender an understanding of Alternative Dispute Resolution philosophy and principles;
• To discuss the principles and process of Mediation
• To provide basic training in mediation techniques;
• To look at the stages and patterns of conflict and styles of negotiation;
• To examine legal requirements, ethical and other issues in relation to the provision of mediation services;
• To explore approaches to mediation that incorporate mindfulness and therapeutic interventions
  

The 3 day workshop explores types of conflict, negotiating styles, and the principles and process of the mediation model of conflict resolution. The model is demonstrated and put into practice, with an emphasis on role-plays and feedback.

You will receive:

• An understanding of the nature and patterns of conflict
• An overview of various methods of alternative dispute resolution
• Specialist training in the Mediation model of dispute resolution
• Insight into legal and ethical issues relating to mediation practice.

The 2 day workshop contains a continued emphasis on skills training, and examines issues such as power and cultural differences in relation to modes of conflict resolution.

You will receive:

• A review of mediation procedures
• An appraisal of issues of power & cultural differences
• An emphasis on skills practice
• An introduction the ‘mindful mediator’ and therapeutic mediation

Who should attend?

The course will be of assistance to family dispute resolution practitioners, court staff, and other professionals working in the fields of health, law and government services. Anyone who has an interest in acquiring new skills is welcome. No prior experience is necessary.

“Money is integral to the marital relationship. As such, conflict over its accumulation, distribution and expenditure is commonplace if not universal”

Irving & Benjamin: Therapeutic Family Mediation

This two-day workshop addresses conflict between separated couples around the division of their assets and financial support for spouses and children. It is designed to provide professional development for those who practice as family mediators or have an interest in family dispute resolution.

Course aims:

• To give a basic understanding of the legal framework affecting “property settlement”, “child support” and “spousal maintenance” cases
• To highlight typical financial issues facing separated couples
• To dispel any myth that specialist financial knowledge is essential for family mediators
• To provide a systematic model that links money, conflict and intervention
• To demonstrate and practice effective dispute resolution methods for easing client stress, reducing conflict and settling financial disputes

Course content:

• Overview of relevant Family Law Act provisions
• Obtaining and assessing financial details: “What does the mediator need to know?”
• Assessing potential participants; “Are they ready, willing and able to negotiate on financial issues?”
• Addressing the role of legal advisors: “Are they part of a problem-solving team – or simply flies in the ointment?”
• Information complexity “How does the mediator deal with it?”
• Joint sessions: Procedure and practice
• Closing the “Last Gap”
• Reviewing preferred options and documenting agreements or financial plans

You will benefit by:

• Gaining further insights into the dynamics of monetary-driven conflict
• [For non-lawyers] becoming familiar with legal requirements and terminology
• Increasing your knowledge of dispute resolution models and process that relate to financial issues for separated spouses
• Developing your technical skills in order to unravel financial complexity
• Developing and practicing your clinical skills in assessing clients, and conducting joint sessions
  

Certificates are awarded at the conclusion of each training module. In order to give feedback and offer suggestions, all course participants are invited to complete evaluation forms.

Astor H. and Chinkin C. (1992) Dispute Resolution in Australia. Butterworths
Baruch Bush R. (2004) The Promise of Mediation: The transformative approach to conflict.
Boulle L (1996) Mediation: Principles Process Practice. Butterworths
Boulle L. (2001) Mediation Skills and Techniques. Butterworths
Coulson R (1996) Family Mediation: Managing Conflict Resolving Disputes. Jossey-Bass
Crawley J. & Graham G. (2002) Mediation for Managers: Resolving conflict and rebuilding relationships at work. Nicholas Brealey Publishing
Duffy K. Grosch J. & Olczak P. (1991) Community Mediation. Guildford Press
Eunson B. (1997) Dealing With Conflict. John Wiley & Sons
Haynes J. & Charlesworth S. (1996) The Fundamentals of Family Mediation. Federation Press
Fisher R. and Ury W. (1988) Getting To Yes, Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Houghton Mifflin
Folberg, Milne & Salem (Ed.) (2004) Divorce and Family Mediation: Models, techniques, and applications Guildford Press
Irving H. & Benjamin M. (2002) Therapeutic Family Mediation: Helping Families Resolve Conflict. Sage Publications
Kalowski J. (1992) Cross-Cultural Issues in Mediation. Paper delivered at First National Conference on Mediation Melbourne
Lee M. and Sheldon P. (1997) Workplace Relations. Butterworths
Mayer B. (1987) The Dynamics of Power in Mediation and Negotiation. Mediation Quarterly no.16
Moore C. (2003) The Mediation Process: Practical strategies for resolving conflict Jossey-Bass
Winslade J. & Monk G. (2000) Narrative Mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution.

Testimonials

“Attending mediation training with Bruce gave me valuable tools to support our workforce and patients when interaction between individuals causes difficulties. Anyone managing a workforce or dealing with the public would benefit from participation. Although intensive, the course was well structured and great fun.”

Maureen Robertson, Practice Manager,
North Road Family Practice, Albany.

“An invaluable training opportunity that provided not just the theory of mediation but a wealth of practical insights and experience”.

Ed Argyle, Counsellor,
KinWay Relationship Counselling