Fairfield Mediation Certification Programs
The certification programs are for individuals and businesses seeking the full Virginia Supreme Court certification and eligibility to mediate court cases. The mediation certification programs include the coursework in the training programs and offer the additional observations and co-mediations required by the Virginia Supreme Court. Lawyers, human resource managers, counselors, financial planners and others frequently pursue this certification. Also, volunteers, including retirees, frequently get certified to make a difference in the lives of others through mediation. All Fairfield Center mediators and trainers are certified by the Virginia Supreme Court.
Fairfield Mediation Certification Courses
- General District Court Mediation Certification
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Mediation Certification (aka Family Mediation)
- Circuit Civil Certification (Prerequisite: GDC Certification)
- Circuit Family Certification (Prerequisite: GDC Certification)
Continuing Education / Certification “Maintenance”
Remaining a certified mediator for the Virginia Supreme Court requires annual coursework and mediation hours. Many of the Fairfield Communication Training Programs are designed to meet the requirements for the annual coursework and mediation hours.
Certified individuals seeking mediation hours may contact Fairfield at any time.
Virginia Mediator Certification Requirements
NOTE: Always review the most current certification requirements at the website for the Supreme Court of Virginia.
General District Court
• 20 hr Basic Mediation Training Course
• 4 hr Virginia’s Judicial System Training Course
• 2 Mediation Observations (w/ certified Mentor)
• 3 Co-Mediations (min. 5 hrs w/ certified Mentor)
• 1 Submission of 1 Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement
• Register for training
Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
- 20 hr Basic Mediation Training Course
- 20 hr Family Mediation Training Course
- 4 hr Virginia’s Judicial System Training Course
- 8 hr Domestic Violence in Mediation training
- 2 Observations of Domestic Relations Cases (w/ Certified Mentor)
- 5 Domestic Relations Co-Mediations (min. 10 hours w/ Certified Mentor)
- 1 Submission of Child Support Worksheet & Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement
Circuit Court -Civil
- 20 hr Basic Mediation Training Course
- 20 hr Advanced Training (to handle procedurally complex cases)
- 4 hr Virginia’s Judicial System Training
- 2 Observations of Circuit Court-Civil Cases (w/ Certified Mentor)
- 5 Co-Mediations of Circuit Court-Civil (min. 10 hrs w/ Certified Mentor)
- 1 Submission of Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement
- Register for training
Circuit Court – Family
- 20 hr Basic Mediation Training Course
- 20 hr Family Mediation Training Course
- 12 hr Advanced Mediation Training (in family finance and economic issues including equitable distribution and spousal support)
- 4 hr Virginia’s Judicial System Training Course
- 8 hr Domestic Violence in Mediation Training
- 2 Observations of Circuit Court Domestic Relations cases (w/ Certified Mentor)
- 5 Co-Mediations of Circuit Court Domestic Relations cases (min. 10 hours w/ Certified Mentor)
- 1 Submissions of Child Support Worksheet & Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement
The Guidelines require that you have a bachelors degree to become a mediator. A waiver is available if you provide evidence of relevant work and life experience to the VA Supreme Court.
Mentor Status Requirements
- Current Virginia Mediator Certification
- Re-certification at least once (a waiver may be requested if you have completed all requirements for recertification and submit a recommendation letter from a mediation center director)
- Completion of a 2-hour certified course in Mentoring Others.
To obtain a certification packet, contact:
Department of Dispute Resolution Services
Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth St. 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-6455
