Charlotte Divorce Mediation Attorneys

Assisting with alternative dispute resolution in North Carolina divorces

Mediation and arbitration are two ways of resolving conflicts during a divorce settlement without going to court. Often, a divorcing couple may turn to this type of alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, to speed up the process, save money and reduce stress.

At Epperson Law Group, PLLC, our Charlotte family law attorneys can support you when you choose mediation during your divorce. With decades of experience in family law and knowledge of local courts, as well as a certified mediator on our team, we can guide you through the process with efficiency and success. Call us today.

What is divorce mediation in Charlotte?

In mediation, you and your spouse, or the parent of your child, will mutually negotiate the terms of your agreement with the guidance of a third party, neutral mediator. Most couples use mediation to resolve issues like spousal support, child support, property division and parenting plans. Typically, couples choose to go through voluntarily.

However, if you or the other parent is filing for child custody or visitation, you’re required to go through the North Carolina Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program. In certain cases, the court may forgo mediation when “good cause” exists – including domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and substance abuse. If you can’t find resolution through mediation, your case will move to court for a judge to decide.

During mediation, you and your spouse both have an opportunity to speak about your goals for the outcome. Your mediator’s job is to facilitate and keep the conversation focused. A mediator may not make decisions or take either person’s side. Then, once you and your ex have come to agreement about all of your issues, the mediator drafts an agreement for your Charlotte family law attorney to review. Once the document is mutually agreed upon, it goes to the court for final approval and formalization.

Mediation is a good choice for couples who want to avoid court and can work together to settle their disputes. Attorneys don’t attend mediation with you, but our Charlotte mediation attorneys work with you beforehand to ensure you are completely prepared and go in with your best foot forward.

What are the benefits of mediation over litigation?

You may find several benefits to using alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. These include:

More control. Of course you’ll have to make compromises in any type of family law matter, but ADR gives you more influence over the outcome of the process. You and your spouse or co-parent can decide the terms of your divorce or parenting agreement together, with the help you need to make the process easier.
Facilitation. Especially when children are involved, mediation allows increased facilitation and communication between the two parties.
Time and cost. A trial is formal, intimidating and can result in endless delays and fees. Settling divorce agreements privately can be more time- and cost-effective for everyone.
Privacy. Divorces are a matter of public record, but mediation and arbitration are confidential. Your negotiations and discussions are conducted in private and your reputation and family information remains out of the public eye.
Security. Your ADR agreement is final, legal and enforceable in court. There may be certain circumstances where you can modify a mediation or arbitration agreement, but in general your agreement is final.

How can a Charlotte attorney help with alternative dispute resolution?

It’s true that alternative dispute processes aren’t as formal or strict as litigation. However, it’s still a smart idea to have an experienced divorce or family law attorney on your side. Your attorney can help you prepare for your sessions, collecting evidence, documentation or witnesses to support the goals you need to achieve during dispute resolution.

The lawyers at Epperson Law Group, PLLC have unique and extensive experience in ADR:

Attorney James Epperson is a certified mediator in Superior Court, as well as an arbitrator
Attorney Steve Ockerman is a Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law in North Carolina

Are mediation agreements enforceable?

As long as all parties sign your agreement, it’s enforceable. Typically, however, though, any judgments based on mediation or arbitration are entered as part of a divorce or child custody agreement, and filed with the court. In this way, they’re as enforceable as any other court order. In certain cases, you may be eligible to modify a Charlotte court order if your circumstances have significantly changed. Our attorneys can provide more details if you have questions.

Professional Charlotte divorce mediation lawyers

Alternative dispute resolution can be a more efficient way to resolve differences and move on more quickly with divorce or child custody situations. If you think mediation may be the right solution for you, talk to the knowledgeable family law attorneys at Epperson Law Group, PLLC. We can help guide and prepare you for the process. You’ll find our offices right off Exit 57 from I-485. To reserve a consultation with one of our lawyers in Charlotte, Boone, or Weddington, please call 704-321-0031 or fill out our contact form.