Overview of legal system and terms relating to family law
History and evolution of legal rights of parents
Parentage (never married parents)
Suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR)
Dissolution of marriage
Adult guardianship
Allocation of resources
Itemization, characterization, valuation and division of assets and liabilities
Finances
Taxes
Parenting Plans
Conservatorship
Parental rights and duties
Parental access
Child support
Non-parental access (grandparents, etc.)
Special issues of children with disabilities
Family Dynamics
Family Systems
Blended Families
Psychological aspects of divorce and parenting
Child Development
Stages of development
Impact and response to divorce
Family Violence
Screening
Impact of statutory requirements
Dynamics of family violence patterns, including power imbalances
Effect of family violence on children
Child abuse
Substance abuse
Stalking
Protective orders
Reporting laws and procedures
Anger management
Mediation safety plans, including caucus models
Violent children
Practice Considerations
Ethics
Agreement memorialization
Unauthorized practice of law (UPL)
Pro se cases
Enforcement
Styles-of-mediation
Self-awareness
Impact of cultural differences
Skills
Communication
Relationship-building
Information gathering
Problem solving
Conflict resolution theory
Referrals to professional support services
Role Play: 6 hours minimum
**This course is designed to satisfy the 40 classroom hours of training as indicated in the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act § 154.052, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. This course also meets the Texas Mediator Trainers Roundtable's requirements.