The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) has released a major update to its Model Standards for Family and Divorce Mediation, the first comprehensive overhaul since 2000. In this episode, I break down what stayed the same—like self‑determination, impartiality, confidentiality, and competence—and what’s new, including stronger screening, clearer guidance on domestic abuse and child maltreatment, technology and online mediation, and a more robust child‑centered approach. You’ll hear how the reorganization and clarified definitions translate into what families, attorneys, and self‑represented parties can expect in mediation today.

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Links Mentioned

2025 AFCC Model Standards for Family and Divorce Mediation - https://www.afccnet.org/Portals/0/PDF/Model-Standards-for-Family-and-Divorce-Mediation-Updated 2025-7-22.pdf?ver=5LBqekcLCogrlS03SVYwqA%3D%3D

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Credits

Intro and Outro Music: “Motivational Day” by AudioCoffee, available under the Pixabay License

Recording and Editing Software: Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team. The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.

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