Lake Norman Mediation Lawyer

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where two parties involved in a legal case come together with the assistance of a neutral third party known as a mediator. The goal of mediation is to help the parties find a resolution to their dispute without resorting to a trial.

In essence, mediation provides a platform for two parties to settle their legal differences outside of the courtroom. In North Carolina, for instance, parties involved in matters such as equitable distribution or child custody are required to undergo mediation and make an effort to resolve their issues through negotiation before proceeding with a court case. However, mediation is commonly utilized to settle disputes in various other types of cases as well.

Types of Mediation in Lake Norman

At Blood Law, PLLC, we offer two types of mediation:

• Collaborative mediation – This type of mediation is most appropriate for divorcing couples who are able to set aside their differences and work together to reach an agreement. Collaborative mediation is conducted by a neutral third-party mediator who assists the couple in creating their own settlement agreement.
• Judicial mediation – This type of mediation takes place in front of a judge who serves as the mediator. Judicial mediation is most appropriate for couples who are not able to reach an agreement on their own and need the assistance of a mediator who can guide the discussion and help them reach an agreement.

How Mediation Works in Lake Norman

During mediation, you and your spouse will meet with our mediator who will facilitate an environment that is conducive to finding solutions. You and your spouse will each have an opportunity to share your perspective and talk about the issues that are important to you. Our mediator will guide the discussion while keeping you focused on productive solutions. Our goal is to help you reach an agreement that is in your best interest.

During mediation, the mediator does not provide legal advice to either party. If you wish to have legal guidance during the mediation process, you will need to engage the services of a mediation lawyer. Our mediation lawyer will assist you in protecting your rights and negotiating with the opposing party (or their representative), thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving a favorable long-term outcome in your mediation case.

Mediation is an effective tool that can save you time and money. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement during mediation, then you and your spouse will be required to proceed to trial. This means that the judge will make all the decisions about your case, including child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), and property distribution.

Benefits of Lake Norman Mediation

There are many benefits to choosing mediation to resolve your family law matter:

• It saves you time – Mediation is a shorter process than litigation, which means you can resolve your case faster. This can save you money, too.
• It saves you money – Mediation is less expensive than litigation. Since you are working with your spouse to resolve your case, you are both invested in the outcome. This results in a more collaborative process that is less contentious and more efficient.
• It's private – Mediation is confidential. Your case will not be made public record and the details of your case will not be shared with anyone else.
• It helps you avoid a negative outcome – Mediation can help you avoid a negative outcome like a divorce or custody battle that can be emotionally and financially draining.