Mediation

Family Law Mediation in North Carolina

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve their dispute. The mediator does not have the authority to impose a decision, but a skilled North Carolina mediator can often help parties reach agreement—even when other efforts have failed.

In North Carolina, parties may choose to participate in mediation voluntarily, either before or after filing a lawsuit. However, once a lawsuit involving child custody or equitable distribution is filed, the parties are generally required to attend mediation before the case can proceed to trial.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Control: The parties, not a judge, make the final decisions.

• Cost-effectiveness: Mediation is typically less expensive than full litigation.

• Compliance: People are more likely to follow through with agreements they helped create.

• Confidentiality: The process is private and not part of the public court record.

Seven of our board-certified family law specialists are certified family law mediators:

Nancy Grace

Helen O’Shaughnessy

Katie King

Justin Mauney

Rachel Beard

Zach Underwood

Michael Schilawski

See our frequently asked questions page for more information about family law mediation in North Carolina.