2026 Family Mediation Institute (Online)

  MCFM & MCLC jointly present the 25th Annual (7th Virtual)    FAMILY MEDIATION INSTITUTE via Zoom   Thursday, December 3, 2026 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Eastern

Welcome
Mary Sheridan, J.D., and Susan Klebanoff, J.D.
Co-Chairs, Institute Planning Committee

*** KEYNOTE PRESENTATION ***

De-escalating Strong Emotions in Family Mediation
Presented by Doug Noll

Strong emotions can present significant challenges in family mediation. This interactive workshop will explore the theory, science, and practical skills behind effectively de-escalating heightened emotions to support more productive conversations and successful mediation outcomes.

Through instruction, discussion, and hands-on practice, participants will examine common emotional challenges that arise across five foundational areas of family mediation: identifying and valuing the marital estate, property division, spousal support, child support, and co-parenting.

The workshop will also incorporate practical exercises and role-playing scenarios, giving participants an opportunity to develop and strengthen de-escalation techniques they can apply in their own mediation practices.

Award-winning mediator, bestselling author, and creator of the Noll Method^TM, Doug Noll has trained Congressional staffers, corporate leaders, and violent prison inmates in the art of listening to and naming emotions.

His book De-Escalate won the Book Excellence Award, while Elusive Peace earned the CPR Institute's Outstanding Book Award.

His fifth book, Empathy Leadership: The Powerful Skill That Drives Winning Results (Sep. 2026), elaborates the entire framework of nervous system leadership. Visit Doug's website to learn more.

Presentation of the 2026 John Adams Fiske Award for Excellence in Mediation

Family Law: The Year in Review
Jonathan E. Fields, J.D.

A must-attend update on key cases, legislative changes, and trends in Massachusetts family law.

Using Mediation To Help Couples Create Collaborative Prenuptial Agreements 
Laurie Israel, Laurie Israel Law and Mediation

This interactive, in-depth session will explore effective approaches to mediating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and constructive communication between spouses and future spouses.

Participants will learn practical strategies for structuring and pacing mediation sessions, establishing goals for initial and subsequent meetings, and navigating emotions surrounding money and financial expectations. The program will also address complex considerations, including business ownership, family wealth, children from prior marriages, and other financial circumstances.

Throughout the session, the focus will be on best practices and mediation techniques that help couples work collaboratively to determine the financial terms of their marriage.

Family Resolutions Specialty Court: Program Overview and Opportunities for Involvement
Miriam K. Bourke, Coordinator of the Family Resolutions Specialty Court

Join Miriam K. Bourke, Coordinator of the Family Resolutions Specialty Court (FRSC) serving the four counties of Western Massachusetts, for an overview of this collaborative specialty court program. Miriam will share updates on FRSC, discuss opportunities for mediators to become involved, and introduce a new initiative to engage financial neutrals in the program.

Early Registration discount rates through November 29, 2026:

MCFM /MCLC Members $150
Non-members $225

Regular rates starting on November 30, 2026:

MCFM /MCLC Members $170
Non-members $240

What's Included: Live sessions and conference materials.

Recording: The conference will not be recorded.

Payment: Major credit cards online only (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, AMX). Sorry, no checks.

Tuition Assistance: Limited scholarship assistance for the Institute will be considered upon email request to Mary Sheridan, Co-Chair of the Institute Planning Committee.

Cancellation Policy: A full refund (less the $25 cancellation fee) will be issued for any registration cancelled by November 27, 2026. No refunds will be granted after November 27, 2026. Substitutions are permitted at any time. Cancellations will be acknowledged but refunds will not be issued until after the Institute.