Notice - Resumption and Expansion of Domestic Violence Economic Mediation (DVEM) Program - Two-Day Mediator Training on August 8 and 15, 2023

This notice announces the resumption and statewide expansion of the Domestic Violence Economic Mediation (DVEM) program. 

Following a three-year period of pilot exploration, the Supreme Court in 2020 authorized expansion of the DVEM, which enables economic mediation in certain family court dissolution matters in which a final restraining order is in effect between the parties. The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted and delayed that expansion. Effective October 1, 2023, the DVEM will resume in the original six pilot counties (Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, and Somerset). In addition, the DVEM also will expand statewide by January 1, 2024. 

Training for DVEM Mediators 
In addition to approval as an economic mediator and inclusion on the Judiciary's Roster of Mediators for Economic Aspects of Family Law Cases, all DVEM mediators must complete domestic violence mediation training. This two-day training will be offered in a hybrid format on August 8 and 15, 2023, through the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Registration information is available on the NJICLE website, www.njicle.com. 

To register to attend in person at the Law Center, go to this webpage: https://tcms.nj sba.com/PersonifyEbusiness/Default.aspx?TabID= 1699&produc tld=913254 77. 

To register for the virtual webcast, go to this webpage: 
https ://tcms.nj sba.com/personifyebusiness/nj icle/CLEPrograms/NJICLEEvents Calendar/MeetingDetails.aspx?productid=913 25 5 04.

Current and Forthcoming DVEM Resources 

The Supreme Court in its May 8, 2015 Order relaxed and supplemented Rule 1 :40-5(b )(1) and the Domestic Violence Procedures Manual to establish the pilot program for DVEM. That rule relaxation remains in effect, with proposed conforming amendments to be published for public comment by separate notice to the bar. 

In addition, the Court previously authorized statewide operational guidelines for the DVEM, as promulgated in Directive #06-20 ("Family - Domestic Violence Economic Mediation Program - Operational Guidelines"). Updated protocols and forms will be issued in conjunction with the adoption of amendments to the Court Rules. Attorneys, mediators, and participants can access current DVEM resources on the Judiciary's public website, 
njcourts.gov. 

Questions about this notice and the resumption and expansion of the DVEM should be directed to the Family Practice Division at (609) 815·-2900, x55350.