Utah AFCC Mediation Day 2026
Utah AFCC Mediation Day 2026: Service, Collaboration, and Real Results in the 4th District
On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Utah AFCC Chapter had the privilege of returning to the 4th District Court in Provo for one of our favorite traditions — Mediation Day. And once again, our community showed what is possible when professionals from across disciplines come together with a shared purpose: helping families with limited financial resources resolve conflict and move forward.
Under the leadership of our Mediation Day Committee Chair, Clay Randle, an extraordinary team of volunteer mediators, attorneys, paralegals, mental health professionals, and court staff gave their time and expertise to support families who needed it most. The results speak for themselves: of the sixteen cases assigned for the day, eleven reached full settlement with final orders, one resulted in a partial settlement, and four cases moved closer to resolution even without a final agreement. Anyone who has spent time in high-conflict family cases knows that even when a case does not settle, meaningful progress is made — and that progress matters.
A True Collaboration with the Court
Events like this only happen because of strong partnerships. We are deeply grateful to the Judges and Commissioners in Utah County who continue to support our Mediation Day’s mission of collaborative dispute resolution. A special thank you goes to Judge Roger Griffin, who stayed late to sign final orders so families could leave the courthouse with closure and certainty. We also extend our appreciation to Commissioners Ito and Snow for the thoughtful work they put into identifying cases where mediation could make a real difference.
Behind the scenes, an incredible group of court professionals helped keep the day running smoothly — Candice Mead, Miranda Day, Julia Maiava, Shirley Gonzalez, Brittney Fuimaono, Mark Urie, and many others who worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics and support the parties throughout the day. Their dedication reflects the spirit of service that defines Utah’s family court community.
Sponsors Who Make It Possible
Mediation Day is a labor of love — and it would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Because of their support, we were able to provide meals, snacks, and a welcoming environment for volunteers, parties, and court staff alike. Thank you to Macarthur Heder and Metler, Rob Jepson Mediation, Gravis Law, Blakelock Law, Rachel Whipple, Heritage Law Offices, Brent Chipman, OurFamilyWizard, and Soberlink for standing with Utah AFCC and helping us care for the professionals and families we serve.
More Than Settlements — A Culture of Service
For me personally, Mediation Day is always a powerful reminder of what makes this chapter so special. Watching professionals step away from busy practices to volunteer their time — arriving early, staying late, and working collaboratively across disciplines — reinforces why Utah AFCC continues to grow and thrive. These events aren’t just about numbers; they are about building a culture of respect, professionalism, and compassion within the family law community.
What’s Next for Utah AFCC
If you volunteered at Mediation Day — thank you. Your work made a meaningful difference for families navigating incredibly difficult moments. As a small token of our appreciation, volunteers are invited to join us at our upcoming Southern Utah Symposium in St. George on March 26–27, 2026, with a special registration discount using the code MEDIATIONDAY.
And if you’re reading this and are not yet a member of Utah AFCC, we would love to have you join our growing community of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for families and children. Reach out to our Membership Chairs, Del Dickson or Jennifer Frahm, to learn more about getting involved.
Help Us Tell the Story
If you captured photos from Mediation Day, please send them our way! We hope to share highlights with the national AFCC organization and celebrate the incredible work happening here in Utah.
To everyone who volunteered, sponsored, supported, and believed in the mission — thank you. Mediation Day continues to be one of the most meaningful expressions of who we are as a chapter: collaborative, service-oriented, and committed to helping families find a better path forward.
— Todd Wetsel
President, Utah AFCC
— Clay Randle
Chair, Mediation Day Committee
