What is Mediation?

What is Mediation?

Rather than spending extensive time and money on court hearings, mediation can, in many cases, be a far more desirable option. Most people want to remain in the position of making their own decisions regarding extremely important issues like child custody and equitable distribution. The alternative is to place those types of vitally important decisions in the hands of a judge who is oftentimes overloaded with cases and has only a very short time and very limited information; decisions that will have far reaching effects for everyone involved. Mediation is proven method of dispute resolution that enables parties to resolve issues in a cooperative, creative, non-adversarial way with the help of a trained, neutral mediator.

Mediation basically means two parties (with or without attorneys) sitting down with a mediator and discussing each parties’ positions, interests and goals in an attempt to reach a resolution that is mutually agreeable to both parties. Mediators use a combination of joint sessions (with all parties in the same room) and separate or “breakout” sessions with each party and their attorney separately.

You should choose a mediator who has experience and the skills to facilitate resolution in cases in which it may have seemed difficult or impossible at the start. We strongly recommend mediating your family law issues with a mediator who has past or current experience as a family law attorney. Mediators with legal experience in family law have knowledge about North Carolina laws and experience with the courts, and can assist you in evaluating your options related to your specific case and help you make good decisions.