Institute for Family Dispute Resolution
Building A Better Future for Families
Divorce Mediation Training
40-Hour Divorce Mediation Training
Sep. 30 – Oct. 3 and
Oct. 7 – Oct. 10, 2026
Learn practical skills to guide families through conflict with confidence and compassion.
CP Cal Annual Conference XXI
Common Ground: Cultivating Connection in the Capital
April 9–11, 2027
Sacramento, California (Downtown Commons)
Whether you are a veteran peacemaker or new to collaborative practice, this weekend is
designed to inspire, educate, and elevate your work.
Who We Are
Over the past five decades legal, financial, and mental health professionals have developed alternatives to the traditional court-based divorce and separation. Mediation, collaborative practice, and other ADR methods have been developed to help families transition into new post separation structures, by providing a safe space for couples to engage in respectful dialog facilitated by specially trained professionals, to reach agreements that work for the entire family. Read More
Family Dispute Resolution
Family conflict is a natural part of life. It often arises during moments of change, such as divorce, remarriage, caregiving, illness, the passing of a loved one, or crisis. Beyond the surface of disagreement lies something more profound. Conflict arises when people perceive that something they deeply care about like belonging, respect, trust, safety, or control, is being threatened. Emotions intensify, and then a person’s ability to remain open, listen, understand, and learn what the other cares about shuts down. Read More
Education and Training
IFDR was created by CP Cal (Collaborative Practice California) as a 501(c)(3) a non-profit organization to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution for families, through public education, professional training, and providing resources to families to learn about and utilize these no-court alternatives. Read More
Resources
IFDR offers information about a wide range of resources to guide families, professionals, and communities toward healthier approaches to resolving conflict. From educational materials and training opportunities to scholarly research, these resources are designed to promote collaboration and reduce the harm of adversarial disputes. Read More
Scholarships
The Institute for Family Dispute Resolution awards the annual Warren Sacks Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of founding board member and treasurer Warren Sacks. This scholarship pays for first-time attendees to join us at the annual Collaborative Practice California Symposium/Celebration. Warren Sacks was a founding Board member and served as treasurer until his untimely death. Read More
Donate
Donating to the Institute for Family Dispute Resolution (IFDR) helps spread the word about alternatives to court for families in conflict, such as mediation and collaborative practice, allowing more children to be protected from the harms of parental dispute. Your support fuels IFDR’s public education, professional-training, and scholarship programs, all aimed at helping families reach solutions rooted in respect, trust, and safety. Read More
