Child Custody Mediation in North Carolina

Custody mediation is provided free of charge by the Court and allows the parties to work with a trained, neutral third party to develop a written parenting agreement. Prior to mediation, the parties are required to attend a one-hour orientation session where they learn what to expect from the mediation process and set goals for mediation. The orientation can greatly diminish  apprehension and fear that parties might have regarding mediation. At the orientation session, the parties will schedule the actual mediation which usually takes place within a couple of weeks of the orientation. In the event that the parties are unable to come to a mediated agreement, they may schedule a custody hearing and have their case heard by a Judge.