Mediator Certification
The Virginia Court Mediator certifications are state-wide certifications which allow mediators to accept court-referred cases of a particular type from any court within the state.
Four Levels of Certification
General District Court, Circuit Court Civil, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Court Family.
Pursuing certification is worthwhile for those looking to begin practicing mediation or advancing a current career in another field by increasing their credibility, gaining experience and expanding a professional network.
As a Virginia state-certified mediator, you will have completed one of the most rigorous certification processes in the country. Requirements involve intensive skill-building training as well as time spent working with experienced mentor mediators to gain real-case experience.
The Virginia Court Mediator certifications are state-wide certifications which allow mediators to accept court-referred cases of a particular type from any court within the state. Recertification is required every 2 years.
General District Court
Typical issues addressed: landlord/tenant, contract, debt, business-to-business, neighborhood. Amount in dispute is $5,000 or less. Includes three courts: Small Claims Court, Landlord-Tenant Court, and General District Court.
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20-hour basic mediation training
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4-hour orientation to the Virginia judicial system
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2 observations in court or 8-hour observation training
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Minimum 3 co-mediations totalling 5 hours
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Scrivener for at least one agreement
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Co-mediate with at least 2 different mentors
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Mediation Skills and Process, June 3-7 & 11,13 2024
CourseThis intensive, interactive online training combines theory and practice to teach the fundamental concepts and skills of facilitative mediation including interest-based negotiations, reflective listening, facilitation and structured problem-solving.
$1,465
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Orientation to the Virginia Judicial System, April 11, 2023
CourseThis course is required for all levels of Virginia Mediator Certification as it gives an overview of the Virginia judicial system and court-referred mediation programs.
$290
Circuit Court Civil
Typical issues addressed: malpractice, personal injury, contracts, or condemnation. Amount in dispute is over $25,000.
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20-hour basic mediation training
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4-hour orientation to the Virginia judicial system
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20-hours of advanced mediation training
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2 Observations of CCC cases conducted by mentor mediators or 8-hour observation training
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Minimum 5 co-mediations totalling 10 hours
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Scrivener for at least one agreement
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Co-mediate with at least 2 different mentors
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
Typical issues: custody, visitation, co-parenting, child and spousal support.
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20-hour basic mediation training
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20-hour family mediation training
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8-hour domestic violence assessment training
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4-hour orientation to the Virginia judicial system
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2 observations in court or 8-hour observation training
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Minimum 5 co-mediations totalling 10 hours
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Scrivener for at least one agreement and one child support worksheet
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Co-mediate with at least 2 different mentors
Circuit Court Family
Typical issues: custody, visitation, co-parenting, child and spousal support and division of property and assets.
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20-hour basic mediation training
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20-hour family mediation training
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8-hour domestic violence assessment training
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12-hour advanced training in economic issues in divorce
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4-hour orientation to the Virginia judicial system
-
2 observations in court or 8-hour observation training
-
Minimum 5 co-mediations totalling 10 hours
-
Scrivener for at least one agreement and one child support worksheet
-
Co-mediate with at least 2 different mentors