MCFM Members:

The easiest way to register is by clicking your special member registration link in your Institute email announcement. The system will automatically identify you and prefill your contact information in the registration form.

If you want to register using the links on this page, you must first log in to your member account and then return to this page BEFORE you register.

Warning:  MCFM will not issue refunds to members who are charged the Nonmember rate.

A review of the recent case law and court procedures affecting family mediators, including a brief discussion of how the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects the taxation of alimony.

Chief Justice Casey’s tailored remarks will explore topical areas of interest to all mediators. He looks forward to an open exchange with Institute participants.

About the featured speaker: John D. Casey was appointed as Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court Department on July 18, 2018. Previously, he was an Associate Justice and then First Justice of the Norfolk Probate and Family Court and was also an Associate Justice of the Essex Probate and Family Court. Chief Justice Casey served as a member of the Commission on Judicial Conduct as well as the 2025 Transition Leadership Committee. He has mentored new judges and has been a panelist at numerous events for the MBA, BBA, MCLE and local bar associations. For 23 years, he was a partner in the Attleboro law firm of Casey and Thompson, P.C., where he specialized in family law and criminal defense. He received his undergraduate degree from Bates College and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 1982.
 

Opportunity for new mediators: MCFM welcomes new mediators to sit at a special lunch table where they will meet other new mediators as well as experienced mediators. If you would like to reserve a seat, please check that option on the registration form.

Dealing with conflict challenges mediators to manage the elevated tension, stress and emotionality in the room. Interventions for moving from argument to dialogue require the honed skills of a mediator to create and maintain structured facilitation congruent with the needs of each party. How can professionals be optimally equipped to effectively support each client through an intense dispute resolution process? The use of advanced communication skills allows mediators to create the most psychologically safe and optimal environment. By tailoring interventions to adapt to each client’s unique personality, values and conflict styles, mediators can transform zero-sum game arguments to productive dialogue. In this two-hour workshop, participants will gain an understanding of their own cognitive responses to simulated scenarios – as well as an understanding of the range of different possible communication strategies, all with the goal of achieving maximum satisfaction and outcome on behalf of our clients.

About the keynote speaker:  Amy Armstrong has dedicated her career to the productive resolution of family conflict as a family therapist, parent educator, mediator, certified parent coach, parenting coordinator, and divorce coach in Collaborative Law cases. Through her work with hundreds of families, Amy demonstrates that self-awareness and skillful communication turn conflict into an opportunity for transformation and enduring resolution.

Tackling the complexities of the Intake process, these speakers will address how to handle the most challenging prospective clients and the most sensitive case matters that arise in these discussions, such as intimate partner violence, infidelity, and other delicate matters.

Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to dive deeper into concepts and skills presented in the Friday session. Practical skill development with ample opportunity for firsthand participation and simulations will be the workshop’s focus.

Maximum Institute Registration:  105
Maximum Master Class Registration:  25

Institute Registration by November 21, 2018:
MCFM Members $205
Nonmembers $245

Institute Registration after November 21, 2018:
MCFM Members $225
Nonmembers $265

Master Class Registration:  $85 for both members and nonmembers, regardless of registration date. Due to limited class size, only Institute participants may register for the Master Class.

►► WARNING:  If you wish to attend the Master Class, you MUST register for both the Institute and the Master Class at the same time. You will not be permitted to add the Master Class to your Institute registration later. 

What's Included: Institute registration fee includes materials and buffet lunch (vegetarian options available). Master Class registration includes materials and light refreshments.

PAYMENT: MCFM accepts major credit cards only (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX). Sorry, no checks.

TUITION ASSISTANCE: Limited scholarship assistance for the Institute will be considered upon email request to Laurie Udell, Chair of the Institute Planning Committee.

MCFM CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refunds (less the $25 cancellation fee) will be issued for cancellations received by December 6, 2018. No refunds will be granted after December 6, 2018. Substitutions are permitted at any time. Cancellations will be acknowledged but refunds will not be issued until after the Institute.