Rule 12.110.Domestic Relations Custody and Parenting Mediation Curriculum

Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026

In one sentenceUTCR 12.110 sets the domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum at a minimum of 40 hours, prescribes the topics and the simulation methods it must use, and fixes the experience a lead trainer needs to teach it.

Full Text of Rule 12.110

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The domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum shall:

(1) Include at least 40 hours in a domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum consistent with any guidelines promulgated by the State Court Administrator.

(2) Include multiple learning methods and training techniques that closely simulate the interactions that occur in a mediation and that provide effective feedback to trainees.

(3) Provide instruction with the goal of creating competency sufficient for initial practice as a family mediator and must include the following topics:

(a) General family mediation knowledge and skills;

(b) Knowledge and skill with families and children;

(d) Specific family, divorce, and parenting information.

(4) Be conducted by a lead trainer who has all of the following:

(a) The qualifications of a domestic relations custody and parenting mediator as defined in UTCR 12.070;

(b) Completed at least 35 cases including a total of at least 350 hours of domestic relations custody and parenting mediation beyond the experience required of a domestic relations custody and parenting mediator in UTCR 12.070;

(c) Served as a mediation trainer or an assistant mediation trainer for the domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum outlined in this section at least three times; and

(d) An understanding of court-connected domestic relations programs.

End

Plain-English Summary

UTCR 12.110 describes the specialized curriculum behind a custody and parenting approval. It must include at least 40 hours in a domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum, consistent with any guidelines the State Court Administrator promulgates. UTCR 12.070 and UTCR 12.080 require it in addition to the basic mediation curriculum, not instead of it.

Teaching method matters as much as hours. The curriculum must include multiple learning methods and training techniques that closely simulate the interactions that occur in a mediation and that provide effective feedback to trainees. Its stated goal is creating competency sufficient for initial practice as a family mediator, and it must cover general family mediation knowledge and skills, knowledge and skill with families and children, adaptations and modifications for special case concerns, and specific family, divorce, and parenting information.

The lead trainer requirements are cumulative: the rule asks for all of them. A lead trainer must hold the custody and parenting mediator qualifications in UTCR 12.070, have completed at least 35 cases including a total of at least 350 hours of custody and parenting mediation beyond the experience UTCR 12.070 requires, have served as a mediation trainer or assistant mediation trainer for this curriculum at least three times, and understand court-connected domestic relations programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours is the custody and parenting mediation training in Oregon?

At least 40 hours in a domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculum, consistent with any guidelines the State Court Administrator promulgates.

What topics does the curriculum have to cover?

General family mediation knowledge and skills, knowledge and skill with families and children, adaptations and modifications for special case concerns, and specific family, divorce, and parenting information. The rule frames the instruction around creating competency sufficient for initial practice as a family mediator.

Is the basic mediation curriculum enough to mediate custody cases?

No. UTCR 12.070 requires the basic mediation curriculum in UTCR 12.100, this custody and parenting curriculum, and court-system training in UTCR 12.130 or substantially similar training. Each sits on the list separately.

Who can serve as lead trainer for this curriculum?

Someone who meets all of the rule's requirements: the custody and parenting mediator qualifications in UTCR 12.070, at least 35 cases including a total of at least 350 hours of custody and parenting mediation beyond what that rule requires, service as a mediation trainer or assistant mediation trainer for this curriculum at least three times, and an understanding of court-connected domestic relations programs.

Does the training have to include practice sessions?

Yes in substance. The rule requires multiple learning methods and training techniques that closely simulate the interactions that occur in a mediation and that provide effective feedback to trainees.

Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the official Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR 12.110). Prescribed by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court (UTCR 1.020). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 12, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: domestic relations custody and parenting mediation curriculumUTCR 12.11040 hour family mediation training Oregonfamily mediator training topicscustody mediation trainer qualifications