Family Dynamics in Divorce Mediation

Amber Elliott Tilley will explore with attendees the intersection between domestic violence, divorce, and family dynamics in mediation. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how family systems are affected by separation and violence, and how these experiences shape the behavior and needs of both adults and children. Amber will share practical strategies for mediators to maintain neutrality while managing implicit bias, ensuring that all parties feel heard and supported without compromising fairness. Emphasis will be placed on trauma-informed approaches that help mediators recognize power imbalances, promote safety, and facilitate productive dialogue. Participants will be better equipped to guide families through emotionally charged mediations.

1 hour of mediator continuing education,

including 1 hour of ethics for attendees

1 hour of MCLE, including 0.75 hour

of ethics pending approval with the State Bar of Texas 

Registration is free for AMA Members/$15 for non-members. Attorneys who wish to receive Texas MCLE credit are asked to pay a $5 fee to offset the cost of MCLE sponsorship.

Become a member of AMA today for as little as $35!

Amber M. Tilley, J.D., is a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, and educator specializing in domestic abuse and child-focused advocacy. As a Clinical Staff Attorney at Texas A&M University School of Law, she supervises students handling complex family law cases and teaches Children and the Law through a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate lens. From 2021 to 2024, she directed Legal Services at SafeHaven of Tarrant County (now Archway), the county’s largest domestic violence agency, where she led legal operations, litigated protective orders and custody matters, and ensured survivors received trauma-informed, safety-centered support. She also spent five years with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, representing survivors of violence and vulnerable families with a steadfast commitment to children’s rights and access to justice.

Amber’s practice spans guardianship, elder law, probate, and child welfare, providing a comprehensive understanding of how family systems intersect with the legal system. A trained mediator with Advanced Family Law Mediation certification, she brings a calm, structured, and trauma-responsive approach to resolving high-conflict cases involving domestic abuse and child welfare. Trained through the National Family Law Trial Institute in advanced child-custody litigation, Amber approaches every case with a survivor-affirming, child-centered, and deeply informed perspective.