What is Mediation?

Mediation can help individuals or groups resolve conflicts using a neutral mediator who helps keep the focus on reaching workable agreements.

Unlike court cases, mediation is   confidential and scheduled at the    convenience of the parties involved.   Parties also maintain control of the process including the nature and scope of their agreements.

Mediation works for all involved.  It’s an opportunity to save time, money, and possibly even a relationship.
 
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Family Services

Family Visitation Program: The Family Visitation Program provides supervised visits and monitored exchange services for families with a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns or high conflict custody disputes. We provide a safe and comfortable place for parents and children to build positive relationships.

For further information about the family visitation and supervised exchange program, contact  828-251-6089 ext 20 or info@mediatebuncombe.org

The Family Visitation Program is seeking donations for office furniture and other miscellaneous office items. Please see the DONATE tab at the top of the screen for a list of items.



Family Mediation Program: Mediation is a productive way to discuss family conflicts and disagreements in a safe and structured environment. A neutral facilitator (mediator) will assist you in exploring possible alternatives and solutions. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that may be utilized in conjunction with attorneys, accountants and mental health professionals. Family mediation includes but is not limited to:

  • Separation/Divorce: Discussions about living arrangements, children, child support, assets, debts and property.
  • Parenting Plans: Creating or modifying agreements regarding your child or children’s best interests. This includes any parent or guardian whether married, divorced or separated.
  • Couples: Discussions surrounding communication, parenting styles, financial issues and household issues.
  • Child/Parent: Discussions about ground rules, setting boundaries, and family behaviors.
  • Adult Child/Elder Parent: Discussions about living arrangements, medical care and associated transitions.

Getting started:
Contact the Melinda Lequin at 828-251-6089, ext 10 or mlequin@mediatebuncombe.org. After a brief interview, an appointment may be scheduled and information will be sent to all parties for review. Sessions generally last from 1 to 2 hours. You may schedule as many sessions as you feel are necessary to help you reach your goals. Once agreements have been reached, you will receive a “Memorandum of Understanding”. This is the formal written agreement. If you wish, you may take this to an attorney to convert the details to a legal document. A list of “mediation friendly” attorneys is available at the Mediation Center.
Fees are based on a sliding scale: click here to view sliding scale

Click here to pay for family mediation services:


CERTIFICATION
For information about becoming a certified family mediator within the NC courts system, visit the NC Courts website and view the guidelines.

OR

For information about becoming a family mediator with certification through the Association of Conflict Resolution, visit the ACR website.
 
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