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CBFM® English

Cross-Border Family Mediation Training (CBFM®)
in English, in Berlin


Sunday, 27th September – Saturday, 03th October 2026

About the CBFM® Training 

The MiKK 50-hour advanced CBFM® training course aims to qualify practicing family mediators to mediate cross- border family disputes, including international child abduction, access and custody cases. The course will cover the relevant legal aspects of international family conflicts, differences in national family legislation, the 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions and the Brussels IIb (Recast) Regulation which entered into force in August 2022. Participants will be introduced to the tools and methodologies for mediating complex, high conflict cross-border family disputes, with the aim of safeguarding the best interest of the child.

Key topics featured in this training include: Framework & Specifics of Mediating International Family Conflicts, Culture and Conflict Resolution, Bi-lingualism & Mediation, Co-mediation, the Voice of the Child in Mediation, Mediation Tools, Dilemmas in Mediation.  

Drawing on the participants’ experience, we will examine the issues involved when mediating across cultures. The training employs a variety of teaching formats including input lectures, small group work, discussion and film material. Case studies and role-plays form an integral part of the course. Interdisciplinary cooperation is a key aspect of the course.

A team of international, multi-disciplinary trainers who are experts in their respective fields and have hands-on experience will lead this highly interactive training, aiming to equip international mediators with the required knowledge, skills and tools to mediate complex cross-border family disputes.

MiKK is the leading international training provider in the field of cross-border family mediation, having provided training in the field for more than 20 years. The standardized training concept was co-developed in the EU co-financed project Training in International Family Mediation (TIM) and MiKK piloted it in 2010. Over the past years MiKK has continually adapted, improved and updated its CBFM® training so as to keep abreast of any changes in the mediation landscape, legal developments and so as to incorporate the feedback of international participants. So far, Mediators from over 50 countries have successfully completed the MiKK CBFM® training which regularly receives highly positive reviews.

MiKK is a “Recognized European Training Provider” featured on the European Commission‘s Training Platform (ETP) .

The ETP platform is only open to recognised EU-level training providers, whose expertise has been recognised by the EU. It currently features 24 training providers across the EU.

Mediation Referrals

Qualified Mediators with intercultural competence and foreign language skills who successfully complete the 50- hour MiKK CBFM training, may join the international MiKK Network of 200+ specialized, multi-lingual family mediators and have their profile featured on the MiKK website www.mikk-ev.org.

The multi-lingual (EN, DE, PL, FR, ES, IT) international MiKK Advisory and Pre-mediation Service regularly refers cross-border family cases to MiKK-listed Mediators for Co-mediation. Ongoing Training requirements in the field of mediation, family law and cross-border family mediation apply to MiKK Mediators.

Programme

SUNDAY, 27th September 2026

9.30 – 18.30     Mediating Across Cultures & Models of International Family Mediation

Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Shai Ordan

  • Introductions – expectations – programme
  • Mediating across cultures and national family law
  • Models and styles of mediation
  • Framework and specifics of mediating Hague Convention cases I
  • Film

Konstanze Welz (TBC)

  • Child Abduction as Childhood Trauma: An Overview of Long-Term Effects

📍 Evening Dinner at a restaurant with all participants & trainers at own expense

MONDAY, 28th September 2026

9.00 – 18.30    Framework and Specifics of Mediating Hague Convention Cases

Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Shai Ordan 

  • Framework and Specifics of Mediating Hague Convention Cases II
  • The Changing Face of Families in a Globalized World
  • Guidelines for Preparing Co-mediation
  • Introduction to the Case Study: Role Play stage I & 2 “Setting the Stage & the Agenda”
  • Tools and Methodologies I
  • Model of Mediating High Conflict / Child Abduction Cases

TUESDAY, 29th September 2026

9.00 – 13.00    Legal Module

Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Shai Ordan

  • International Legal Instruments in Matters of Parental Responsibility
  • 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions
  • Brussels IIa Regulation & the New Brussels IIb (Recast) Regulation
  • National Family Law
  • Mediation Law & EU guidelines & European Code of Conduct for Mediators
  • The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

13.15 – 15.00  Introducing Mediation in The Courtroom from a Judge’s Perspective:

Judge Martina Erb-Klünemann (TBC)

  • MiKK Mediators in the Courtroom (MIC)
  • How Liaison Judges Can Actively Support the Implementation of Mediation Agreements
  • Making the Memorandum of Understanding Legally Binding
  • Working With Mirror Orders and Safe Harbour Orders
  • Hague Convention Liaison Judges Network

15.30 – 17.15  Role-play Stage 3 – the “Heart of the Mediation”

 Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Shai Ordan

  • Tools and Methodologies II
  • Role Play

Mid-Seminar Evaluation

17.30 – 18.00  The Hague Conference and Private International Law: its Role and its Projects 

Laura Martínez-Mora (TBC)

    WEDNESDAY, 30th September 2026

    Lecture Free Day · Networking Day · Berlin Walking Tour (optional)

    • 2-hour Berlin Historic City Walking Tour – Participation free of charge

    THURSDAY, 1st October 2026

    9.00 – 18.30    The Voice of the Child in Mediation

    Dr. Lesley Allport, Veneta Ivanova (TBC), Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

    • Focusing on “the Best Interests of the Child” in Mediation
    • Engaging With Children in Mediation (Age-Appropriate Interview Techniques & Tools)
    • Role Play Session III: “The Voice of the Child”
    • Role Play Session IV: “Developing & Reviewing Options in the best interest of the child

    FRIDAY, 2nd October 2026

    9.00 – 13.30    Bi-lingualism and Culture in Mediation

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

    • Handling Bilingualism in Mediations: Models and Options
    • Communicating & Mediating Across Cultures
    • Role Play Session V: “Working with Turning Points & Mediating Dilemma Situations”

     14.30 – 18.30  Dilemmas in Mediation

    Spiros Livadopoulos, Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

    • Dilemma Situations
    • Conflict Escalation Model
    • Role Play Session VI in Groups: “Working Towards Agreement”

    SATURDAY, 3rd October 2026

    9.30 – 16.00    Aspects of Cross-cultural Communication, ŸDrafting the MOU

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Spiros Livadopoulos

    • Aspects of Cross-cultural Communication & Dispute Resolution
    • Online Mediation 101
    • Role Play Session VII: “Drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding”
    • Cooperation, Training, Networking with Other Professionals
    • Discussion – Feedback – Evaluation – Certificates

    Magdalena Jańczuk

    • The MiKK Network

    16.00      Closing

    The program is subject to change.

    Trainers, Speakers

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

    Co-CEO & Head of Advisory Services, Family Lawyer (England & Wales), Mediator

    Short Bio
    Shai Ordan

    Shai Ordan

    Lawyer, Mediator, Trainer, Consultant

    Short Bio
    Konstanze Welz

    Konstanze Welz

    Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Family Mediation and Mentoring, MiKK Ambassador for India

    Short Bio
    Martina Erb-Klünemann

    Martina Erb-Klünemann

    Judge, German Liaison Judge of the Hague International Network of Judges and of the European Judicial Network in civil and in commercial matters

    Short Bio
    Dr. Lesley Allport

    Dr. Lesley Allport

    Mediator, Trainer and Professional Practice Consultant

    Short Bio
    Veneta Ivanova

    Veneta Ivanova

    Psychologist | Psychotherapist | Mediator & Mediation Trainer

    Short Bio
    Magdalena Jańczuk

    Magdalena Jańczuk

    Co-CEO of MiKK, Administration and Social Sciences (M.A.), Mediator, Trainer

    Short Bio
    Spiros Livadopoulos

    Spiros Livadopoulos

    Lawyer, Accredited Mediator, International Family Mediation Specialist, and Mediation Trainer

    Short Bio
    Laura Martínez-Mora

    Laura Martínez-Mora

    Secretary at the Permanent Bureau of the HCCH and co-head of Family Law Team.

    Short Bio

    Registration fees:

    Full Fee: EUR 1,950
    Early Bird Discount: EUR 1,800 (Registrations before 30th April 2026)
    Eligible Country Fee*: EUR 1,350

    *List of eligible countries

    This year there is a small number of free-of-charge, fully EU-co-funded places available for qualified mediators from Croatia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovenia, and Portugal.  If you are interested, please fill in the online registration form below and tick the “Application for a free-of-charge, EU co-funded place” box.

    Interested? Questions? – Feel free to reach out!

    Register now!

    Training Venue:

    Innenmehr – Institut für Persönlichkeitsentwicklung
    Am Tempelhofer Berg 7d, 10965 Berlin

    Online Registration Form

    Registration
    Your Details:
    E-mail, Phone
    Postcode, Country
    City, Street

    Please provide the name of the institute or organization where you currently work.

    Languages & Levels

    Please provide the languages, including your mother tongue, and your proficiency level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) system. For example: German, C2; English, B2; Spanish, A1.

    Nationalities

    Other countries/cultures you are familiar with:

    Please provide the countries and nationalities with which you have a close connection due to having lived, studied, worked or having family ties in that country.

    Mediation Qualifications & Experience

    Cancellation policy:

    Cancellation up to 30 days before the training: €50 administrative fee.
    ----
    Cancellation between 29 and 14 days before the training: 50% of the training fee.
    ----
    Cancellation less than 14 days before the training: full training fee applies, unless a replacement participant is nominated by you. In this case, the replacement can take your place, and no additional fee will be charged.

    Once we receive your registration, we will issue an invoice within a few days. Payment of the invoice secures your place in the training.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the CBFM Training!

    Testimonials: Participants say …

    ” A very well thought-out training programme with a high degree of practical relevance, involving experts who provided in-depth insights into their areas of activity and experience. There was a very good balance between knowledge transfer, dialogue and personal practice.” – Kyra Mörchen, Lawyer, Mediator (BAFM & BM), Trainer BAFM, Germany, CBFM 2024

    “This training even exceeded my high expectations – excellent trainers and speakers, inspiring group, effective and practical teaching and training methods! ” – CBFM Participant, 2024

    ” Thank you very much! An excellent course with very knowledgeable trainers and an amazing opportunity to get to know other family mediators from a huge range of countries, nationalities and different cultural backgrounds.”  – Alison, Lawyer, Mediator, Arbitrator, England, CBFM 2022

    ” I knew this training had a good reputation and I realize it’s because of all the practical tools and methods that you learn and can apply directly.” – CBFM Participant 2021

    ” Very hands-on and professional training on cross-border family conflict.” – CBFM Participant, 2018, European Parliament, Brussels

    ” The skill level, experience and commitment of trainers (and resource persons) to the field was excellent across the board! So well-resourced and delivered in a relaxed and accessible manner. Thank you for your enormous effort! “– Allie Malkin, Mediator, Canada/UK, CBFM 2018

    ” An intensive, compact and content-rich training full of human touch and a top-class (guest) trainer line-up. The practical session with wonderful international participants inspired & strengthened me. Thank you! ” – CBFM Participant, 2020

    “I had a fantastic experience and during the training. I was able to deepen my relevant mediation knowledge and improve my skills. Thanks to the carefully selected lecturers of the highest professional standards, the acquisition of new knowledge was a pleasure in itself. So many eager learners and committed to mediation in one group may be the start of many friendships!”  – Dr. Soma Kölcsényi, Family Lawyer, IAFL Fellow, Mediator, Hungary, CBFM 2021

    Past editions

    Programme

    SUNDAY, 28th September 2025

    9.30 – 18.30     Mediating Across Cultures & Models of International Family Mediation

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Christoph C. Paul

    • Introductions – expectations – programme
    • Mediating across cultures and national family law
    • Models and styles of mediation
    • Framework and specifics of mediating Hague Convention cases I
    • Film

    Konstanze Welz

    • Child Abduction as Childhood Trauma: An Overview of Long-Term Effects

    📍 Evening Dinner at a restaurant with all participants & trainers at own expense

    MONDAY, 29th September 2025

    9.00 – 18.30    Framework and Specifics of Mediating Hague Convention Cases

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Christoph C. Paul 

    • Framework and Specifics of Mediating Hague Convention Cases II
    • The Changing Face of Families in a Globalized World
    • Guidelines for Preparing Co-mediation
    • Introduction to the Case Study: Role Play stage I & 2 “Setting the Stage & the Agenda”
    • Tools and Methodologies I
    • Model of Mediating High Conflict / Child Abduction Cases

    TUESDAY, 30th September 2025

    9.00 – 13.00    Legal Module

    Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Christoph C. Paul

    • International Legal Instruments in Matters of Parental Responsibility
    • 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions
    • Brussels IIa Regulation & the New Brussels IIb (Recast) Regulation
    • National Family Law
    • Mediation Law & EU guidelines & European Code of Conduct for Mediators
    • The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

    13.15 – 15.00  Introducing Mediation in The Courtroom from a Judge’s Perspective:

    Judge Martina Erb-Klünemann

    • MiKK Mediators in the Courtroom (MIC)
    • How Liaison Judges Can Actively Support the Implementation of Mediation Agreements
    • Making the Memorandum of Understanding Legally Binding
    • Working With Mirror Orders and Safe Harbour Orders
    • Hague Convention Liaison Judges Network

    15.30 – 17.15  Role-play Stage 3 – the “Heart of the Mediation”

     Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Christoph C. Paul

    • Tools and Methodologies II
    • Role Play

    Mid-Seminar Evaluation

    17.30 – 18.00  The Hague Conference and Private International Law: its Role and its Projects     

    Laura Martínez-Mora 

      WEDNESDAY, 1st October 2025

      Lecture Free Day · Networking Day · Berlin Walking Tour (optional)

      • 2-hour Berlin Historic City Walking Tour – Participation free of charge

      THURSDAY, 2nd October 2025

      9.00 – 18.30    The Voice of the Child in Mediation

      Dr. Lesley Allport, Susana Borges Gomes, Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

      • Focusing on “the Best Interests of the Child” in Mediation
      • Engaging With Children in Mediation (Age-Appropriate Interview Techniques & Tools)
      • Role Play Session III: “The Voice of the Child”
      • Role Play Session IV: “Developing & Reviewing Options in the best interest of the child

      FRIDAY, 3rd October 2025

      9.00 – 13.30    Bi-lingualism and Culture in Mediation

      Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

      • Handling Bilingualism in Mediations: Models and Options
      • Communicating & Mediating Across Cultures
      • Role Play Session V: “Working with Turning Points & Mediating Dilemma Situations”

       14.30 – 18.30  Dilemmas in Mediation

      Spiros Livadopoulos, Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome

      • Dilemma Situations
      • Conflict Escalation Model
      • Role Play Session VI in Groups: “Working Towards Agreement”

      SATURDAY, 4th October 2025

      9.30 – 16.00    Aspects of Cross-cultural Communication Ÿ Drafting the MOU

      Ischtar Khalaf-Newsome, Spiros Livadopoulos

      • Aspects of Cross-cultural Communication & Dispute Resolution
      • Online Mediation 101
      • Role Play Session VII: “Drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding”
      • Cooperation, Training, Networking with Other Professionals
      • Discussion – Feedback – Evaluation – Certificates

      Magdalena Jańczuk

      • The MiKK Network

      16.00      Closing

      The program is subject to change.

      MiKK International Mediation Centre for Family Conflict and Child Abduction

      About MiKK   

      MiKK is an internationally recognized, independent NGO, which has been providing its expertise to parents and stakeholders in the field of cross-border family mediation and international family mediation training for over 20 years. MiKK started operating as a project of the Federal Family Mediators Association (BAFM) in 2002 and became an independent NGO in 2008. The multi-lingual (EN, DE, PL, FR, ES, HU, IT) free-of-charge MiKK Advisory Pre-Mediation and Mediation Referral Service has helped and supported 1000s of parents and children from all over the world. MiKK is active in the field of cross-border mediation training, foundation training as well as research and advocacy. MiKK also offers a monthly, free-of-charge Online Parent Support group “MiPCAS”. The organization is consulted by and co-operates with international stakeholders, eg. Central Authorities, Judges, Lawyers, Mediators, the EU Parliament Office of Children’s Rights, the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), the EU Legal Affairs Committee and NGOs. Since 2022 MiKK is co-funded by the EU.

      MiKK Trainings & Workshops

       The full 50-hour CBFM Training takes place each year in Berlin in English as well as in German. Internationally, the CBFM is run annually in Japan and occasionally in Spain, Madrid (in Spanish) and in France, Strasbourg ( in French). The training has also taken place twice in Singapore and once on Ukraine, on-line. Ongoing Training and (free) Webinars are regularly offered to MiKK Mediators as well as monthly (free) Online Intervision. MiKK has conceived and successfully piloted trainings and projects involving MiKK Mediators in related fields (i.e. LEPCA; AMICABLE; Voice of the Child; Mediation in Muslim Contexts etc.)co-financed by the EU and the German Ministry of Justice (BMJ). MiKK has run diverse workshops for the Academy of European Law (ERA) and the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN). Since 2004 MiKK has delivered workshops and trainings in 20+ countries.

      Cross Border Family MiKK Mediations

      Qualified Mediators with intercultural competence and foreign language skills who successfully complete the 50-hour MiKK CBFM training, may join the international MiKK Network of 220+ specialized, multi-lingual family mediators and have their profile featured on the MiKK website www.mikk-ev.org. Currently, MiKK Mediators are based in 45+ countries and mediate in 40+ languages.

      The multi-lingual (EN, DE, PL, FR, HU, ES, IT) international MiKK Advisory and Pre-mediation Service regularly refer cross-border family cases for mediation to MiKK-listed Mediators. Ongoing Training requirements in the field of mediation, family law and cross-border family mediation apply to MiKK Mediators.

      We look forward to working with legal, psycho-social, educational and other professionals from a variety of cultural backgrounds and nationalities. Get ready to mediate cross-border family cases!

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