For more than fifty years, Forrest (“Woody”) Mosten has devoted his career to expanding access to high-quality mediation. Beginning as founding partner in the nation’s first private legal clinic in 1972, Jacoby and Meyers (aka Meyers, Jacoby and Mosten), through his pioneering work in Limited Scope Representation as the Internationally recognized Father of Unbundling, Woody has consistently sought innovative ways to help families resolve conflict with dignity, respect, and affordability.
We fully support the use of experienced family mediators whose fees range from $300-1200 per hour. Families who engage these mediators receive the benefit of lower overall costs and a reduction of conflict that benefit both parties and children going through family restructuring.
However, even with those benefits, some families cannot afford even the low end of professional mediator’s fees.
Our Mission
To expand access to quality mediation for families of moderate means, while providing supervised, real-world training for the next generation of exceptional family law mediators. Our mediation training is open to family professionals and other persons who want education in mediation and a solid grounding in mediation skills to prepare them for practice. We do not promise potential trainees the right to participate as a Mosten Fellow. The opportunity to be a fellow is by Woody’s invitation only. As an example, out of a Basic Family Mediation Training class of 25, perhaps 0-3 trainees maximum would be invited to become a Mosten Fellow.
How the Practicum Works
Each case is co-mediated by:
- Forrest (“Woody”) Mosten or another highly experienced mediator selected by Mosten Mediation Training.
- A carefully selected Fellow, who has successfully completed at least 40 Hours of Mosten Mediation Training, and demonstrated outstanding skill, professionalism, and ethical judgment.
Clients receive the benefit of two mediators working together throughout the mediation process for the same reduced fee.
Meet Our Mosten Fellows
Jeanine Zalduendo
Los Angeles, CA
Lawren Wowk
Alberta, Canada
Kristen Howard
Pasadena, CA
Riena Yu
Palo Alto, CA
Benefits to Clients
- Reduced mediation fees;
- Two mediators on every case;
- Careful preparation before each session;
- Increased attention to communication and problem-solving;
- High-quality mediation in a respectful and confidential environment; and,
- An effective alternative to hiring two individual lawyers
Who May Apply
Applications are encouraged from families who:
- Have moderate financial resources;
- Are committed to resolving disputes respectfully; and,
- Are willing to participate in mediation in good faith.
Cases may include:
- Divorce and Separation;
- Parenting Decision Making and Schedules;
- Community and Separate Property division;
- Child support;
- Spousal support;
- Elder family disputes; and,
- Partnership disputes.
Mediation Fees (Subject to eligibility)
Combined Co-Mediation fee: $200 per hour.
Mosten Fellow Co-Mediator Receives hands on training at no charge to the Mosten Fellow or to the clients.
Fees will be paid 50% by each party, unless otherwise agreed. If any or all issues are resolved, Mediators will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding that can be submitted to the court by the parties, their attorneys, or other professional. Mediators will not prepare any court documents including Stipulations or Judgments.
Criteria for the Selection of Families
Because Fellowship capacity is limited, not every family can be accepted.
Applications are evaluated based upon:
- Nature of the dispute;
- Suitability for mediation;
- Scheduling availability; and,
- Training value for the Fellow.
Acceptance into the Practicum is solely at the discretion of Mosten Mediation Training. If your application is not accepted, no explanation or reason will be included, and applicants release Mosten Mediation Training from any claim or liability for non-acceptance.
Apply
Complete the online application. A member of our team will contact you after reviewing your submission.
Brianna Goldstein
Director of Communications
Mosten Mediation Training