2026 Training Schedule Released
Seats satisfy the new Jan 1, 2026 Guidelines.
Virginia Court-Certified
Mediation Training
Complete your path to certification with the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) of the Supreme Court of Virginia. From General District Court to Circuit Court Family mediation.
Live Training Calendar
View our upcoming course dates below. All times are updated in real-time.
Found a date that works? Click "Register Now" to secure your seat.
Choose Your Certification Path
Our curriculum is designed to meet the strict training requirements set forth by the Judicial Council of Virginia.
General District Court (GDC)
Civil Cases & Small Claims
Training Requirements:
- 20 Hours: Basic Mediation Skills
- 4 Hours: Virginia Judicial System
Mentorship:
- 2 Observations: Complete cases
- 5 Hours Co-Mediation: Min. 3 general cases
Juvenile & Domestic Relations
Family, Custody & Support
Training (40h+):
- Basic (20h) + Family (20h)
- Screening for Domestic Abuse (8h)
- Support Matters (8h)
Mentorship:
- 2 Observations: Family cases
- 10 Hours Co-Mediation: Min. 5 family cases
Circuit Court - Civil
Complex Civil Litigation
Training Requirements:
- Basic (20h) + Advanced Civil (20h)
- Virginia Judicial System (4h)
Mentorship:
- 2 Observations: Circuit cases
- 10 Hours Co-Mediation: Min. 5 circuit cases
Circuit Court - Family
Divorce & Equitable Distribution
Training (52h+):
- Basic (20h) + Family (20h)
- Adv. Family Finance (12h)
- Support (8h) + Dom. Abuse (8h)
Mentorship:
- 2 Observations: Circuit family cases
- 10 Hours Co-Mediation: Min. 5 cases
From Classroom to Courtroom
Certification in Virginia is a two-step process: Training and Mentorship. FairField Center guides you through both, ensuring you are confident when you sit at the head of the table.
Case Observations
We partner with certified mentors to provide live observation opportunities. If live cases are unavailable, we offer the OES-approved 8-hour Observation Course simulation.
Supervised Co-Mediation
Apply your skills in real cases under the supervision of a Mentor Mediator. You will receive detailed evaluations and sign-off on your "Mentee Portfolio Forms".
Quick Eligibility Check
-
Bachelor's Degree Required Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited university (or apply for a waiver).
-
24-Month Time Limit Complete all requirements and apply within 24 months of training completion.
-
Good Character Must disclose prior convictions. Felonies are permanent bars to certification.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1982, the Community Mediation Center now doing business as the Fairfield Center, was the pioneering organization in Virginia offering professional conflict resolution and restorative justice services and training.
CONTACT INFO
590 Neff Avenue, Suite 3000 Harrisonburg, VA 22801
+1 (540) 434-0059
Monday to Friday 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
info@fairfieldcenter.org
NEWS & EVENT
© 2023 Fairfield Center