2026 Maryland Mediators Convention

Domestic relations mediation requires a distinct skill set that goes beyond traditional facilitative techniques. As a court-appointed Domestic Relations Mediator, this session provides a practical, experience-based exploration of how mediators can effectively navigate the layered dynamics present in parenting plans, custody disputes, and family restructuring.

Participants will gain insight into maintaining neutrality while managing emotionally charged environments, separating personal experiences from professional responsibilities, and addressing the often-overlooked complexity of financial discussions within family systems. The session will also examine how mediators can remain attentive to multiple relationships simultaneously, between parents, children, and evolving family structures, while keeping the process focused and productive. Special attention will be given to child-centered mediation practices, including how to appropriately integrate the needs and best interests of children without overstepping the mediator’s role. Additionally, this session will address empathy fatigue and provide practical strategies for maintaining professional resilience in high-conflict and emotionally demanding cases.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key differences between domestic relations mediation and other mediation contexts.
• Apply techniques to maintain neutrality while managing high-conflict emotional dynamics.
• Develop approaches for facilitating financial discussions in family-based disputes.
• Incorporate child-centered considerations into mediation without compromising role boundaries.
• Recognize and manage empathy fatigue to sustain long-term effectiveness as a mediator