Due to the sensitive nature of property and custody matters, they can quickly become escalated. But, no matter how difficult you think it will be to come to an agreement with your ex, in North Carolina, mediation is mandatory in family law cases that involve property division and child custody.
At the Law Office of David A. Wijewickrama, in Waynesville, we know that mediation can be challenging and that you may be going through one of the most difficult times in your life. We can guide you through mediation based on more than 20 years of legal experience and attorney David A. Wijewickrama's personal experience with divorce.
If you can resolve your property and custody issues through mediation, you will:
- Save time: Mediation takes much less time than a courtroom trial.
- Save money: You will avoid the cost of witnesses and the expense of trial.
- Stay in control: Because both parties must come to an agreement on all issues, you will have a say in the outcome. If you go to court, a judge will make the final decision.
The mediator will explore risks, encourage common sense and use strategies that are often used by a judge in deciding how issues should best be settled.
The Mediation Process
Most people don't know what to expect when they enter the mediation process. We will help you gather the tax records and other financial documents you will need prior to mediation. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to achieve an outcome you can live with. The mediator is independent and doesn't take sides through the process, but does express opinions as to when someone is unrealistic, stubborn or looking for solutions the law won't allow.
While mediators are neutral, they can share their professional opinions and can express the thoughts on possible outcomes. Typically, the parties never sit in the same room (unless they choose to) and the process takes about a half a day to a full day, depending on the issues being discussed.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
If you are ready to learn more about mediation and begin working toward resolving your family law case, please call us at 828-452-5801 or email our law firm to arrange an initial consultation with a lawyer.
