Family Law Mediation in North Carolina

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. Parties select a neutral third party mediator to assist them in resolving their dispute. The mediator does not possess the power to impose an agreement on either party, but a skilled North Carolina mediator can often help parties resolve their differences even after other methods have failed.

Parties in North Carolina who wish to resolve differences may voluntarily participate in mediation prior to or after initiating a lawsuit. North Carolina requires that once a lawsuit for child custody or equitable distribution is filed, the parties must attend mediation prior to trial.

The benefits to mediation are (1) decisions are made by the parties themselves, as opposed to a third party who has only heard evidence over a short period of time; (2) the cost is less than litigating multiple issues; (3) resolutions that a party agrees to are generally complied with more than those parties had no control in the outcome; and (4) the process is confidential.

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

Nancy Grace

Helen O’Shaughnessy

Michael Schilawski

Katie King

Justin Mauney

Rachel Beard

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