Mediation: The VIP Lounge of Conflict Resolution

Mediation with Allie Moore is like getting an upgrade from economy to first class. Unlike inside the courthouse mediators (required by the court in all custody cases in North Carolina) who are limited to custody issues and operate on a strict time schedule, Allie can handle both custody and financial matters in mediation, all outside the courthouse. No ticking clock, no stress—just a calm space to hash things out and focus on you and your children and financial future.

Why Choose Mediation Over Court Drama?

Here are some solid reasons why mediation should be your go-to:

1. Be the Boss of Your Case: In court, a judge decides your fate. In mediation, you have a say. You get to make the offers, tweak the deals, and craft the outcome that suits you best.
2. Save Your Wallet: Forget about hefty legal bills of days in court (and the costs of preparing for court and drafting the order after the trial). Mediation is kinder to your bank account, cutting down on lawyer fees and court costs. More money for your next vacation—woohoo!
3. No More Calendar Chaos: Courts are notorious for delays. Often attorneys find themselves asking repeatedly, often in writing, for court dates but the court system is backed up. With mediation, you’re not stuck waiting months on end for a court date. You can schedule sessions at your convenience.

Who’s Invited to the Mediation Party?

Mediation isn’t a family reunion—leave the kids at home. It’s a space for adults to discuss serious matters, minus the distractions of little ones. Typically, only the parties involved and their attorneys should attend. Ultimately, the mediator gets to decide if the person you want to bring alone for moral support is appropriate or not. One tip which should be common sense – don’t bring the new boyfriend or girlfriend to the mediation table as that is a sure fire way to end up with an impasse.

Rules of the Mediation Game

Before you step into the mediation arena, there are a few rules:

• You Gotta Try: No, this isn’t a pizza party—you actually have to make an effort to resolve things.
• What Happens in Mediation, Stays in Mediation: Confidentiality is key. The mediator cannot go back to other attorneys, parties, or even the court blabbing about what’s discussed. Mediation is the place for your best and final offer.
• Bring Your Checkbook: Each party usually pays half of the mediator’s fees. No freebies here!

The Setup: Together or Apart?

Mediation isn’t a cookie-cutter process. You can either sit in the same room or opt for separate rooms (cue dramatic tension!). In divorce and custody cases, most often everyone chooses separate rooms, so prepare for some waiting while the mediator shuffles between spaces. Yes, waiting is hard—especially when you’re trying to remember all the clever arguments you’ve come up with!

Zoom Mediation: Welcome to the Digital Age

Too far away, worried about your safety, or maybe you just don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas? Zoom mediation is here to save the day. You can participate from the comfort of your own home, with your trusty coffee mug by your side or even from Tahiti (cue the alimony payments) for so long as you have a good internet connection.

Preparing for Mediation

Here’s Allie’s friendly advice for preparing:

• Think Creatively: Mediation allows for creative solutions. Be ready to think outside the box.
• Gather Your Facts: Collect all necessary documents and information before the session.
• Chat with Your Attorney: Make sure you and your lawyer are on the same page.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Seriously, rest up! A fresh mind is a sharp mind.
• Bring Entertainment: Mediation can be lengthy, so bring a book, crossword puzzles, sudoku, your kid’s Nintendo switch or something to keep you busy during breaks.

The Grand Finale: Settlement

A successful mediation settlement can be life-changing in the best way possible. Imagine walking out of mediation with a solution that works for everyone—no court battles, no drawn-out fights. Just a peaceful resolution and a sigh of relief.

So, if you’re facing a legal issue, consider mediation with Allie Moore. It’s a smoother, friendlier path to resolution—minus the courtroom theatrics.

You can schedule mediation with her through her mediation webpage here.

• No Attorney-Client Relationship: Reading this blog or downloading any related resource does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship is formed only when a written engagement agreement is signed by both parties.
• Information, Not Advice: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every equitable distribution case is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the particular assets, debts, marital history, and county involved.
• No Guarantee of Results: Past case outcomes do not predict future results.
• Office Responsibility: Cape Fear Family Law is responsible for the content of this advertisement. Our principal office is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with additional offices in Durham and the Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune corridor.