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 Mediation Program

Mediation is a productive way to discuss family conflicts and disagreements in a safe and structured environment. A neutral mediator will assist you in exploring possible alternatives and solutions. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process.  All parties must agree to participate in order for mediaiton to be scheduled. Issues discussed in medaiton may include:

  • Separation/Divorce: Discussions about living arrangements, children, child support, assets, debts and property.
  • Parenting Plans: Creating or modifying agreements regarding your child's best interests.
  • Couples: Discussions surrounding communication, parenting styles, financial issues and household issues.
  • Adult Child/Elder Parent: Discussions about living arrangements, medical care and associated transitions.

 
More information:

  • 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 written agreement.  This memorandum of understanding is not intended to be a legally binding document.
  • 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.
  • Contact the Melinda Lequin at 828-251-6089, ext 10 or mlequin@mediatebuncombe.org. 
  • Fees are based on a sliding scale: click here to view sliding scale

Click here to pay for family mediation 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.

Families must have a court order or other signed agreement to use visitiation or exchange services.

Supervised visits take place at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Families must complete an intake appointment to reserve a time.

Monitored exchanges are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, on Fridays at 5pm, and Sundays between 4:30 and 5:30pm.

Intake appointments take place on Mondays only between 1pm and 6pm.  All parties must complete and intake appointment before using visit or exchange services.  Services are not available last minute.

For further information about the
Family Visitation  program, contact Case Manager Jane Edens at 828-251-6089 ext 20 or info@mediatebuncombe.org


For information about becoming a certified family mediator, 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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