Choosing a Certified Mediator in North Carolina: What to Look For

From the Perspective of a Certified Family Financial Mediator

When attorneys and their clients begin the process of Family Financial Mediation, the first decision isn’t procedural - it’s personal. Choosing the right mediator can make or break the session. Mediation isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation, structure, and the presence of a skilled neutral who can guide the parties toward resolution with clarity, balance, and professionalism.

At GHMA | LAW, our mediators are not only certified but are also Board Certified Specialists in Family Law, a distinction that reflects the highest level of legal knowledge and peer recognition in North Carolina.

So, what should you look for when selecting a mediator for your divorce, support, or property division case?

Not All Neutrals Are Created Equal

Mediators in North Carolina come from a variety of professional backgrounds. While all certified Family Financial Mediators meet minimum training requirements and are approved by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC), there’s a wide range of experience, skill, and legal acumen among practitioners.

For complex family law matters, especially those involving asset division, business interests, or ongoing support, it’s critical to choose a mediator who brings more than neutrality to the table. You want a mediator who understands the law, the process, and the human dynamics of family litigation.

What to Look For

Legal Experience in Family Law

A mediator with an active family law practice or primary background in divorce brings invaluable insight into what courts are likely to do with unresolved issues. This helps parties frame their negotiations in the context of legal reality, not emotion or guesswork.

Board Certification

In North Carolina, Board Certification by the State Bar indicates that an attorney has been tested, reviewed by peers, and approved as a specialist in a particular area of law. At GHMA | LAW, both Patrick McCroskey and Janet Amburgey are Board Certified Specialists in Family Law and certified mediators.

Communication Style and Structure

Great mediators are clear, focused, and flexible. They know when to push, when to slow down, and how to adapt the structure of mediation to fit the needs of both attorneys and clients. Ask your attorney about the mediator’s style and whether they are known for helping cases actually settle, not just check a procedural box.

Consistent, Ethical Neutrality

A mediator is not there to judge, scold, or steer decisions based on personal values. You should expect complete neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism from the moment the session begins to the moment the agreement is signed.

Mediation Services at GHMA | LAW

Whether you're here at the suggestion of your attorney or independently seeking to understand how family law mediation works, the resources on our website are designed to provide clarity, not confusion. At GHMA | LAW, our certified Family Financial Mediators work with parties who are represented by counsel to resolve divorce-related disputes through structured, confidential negotiation.

While our mediators do not typically conduct sessions where one or both parties are unrepresented, we recognize that many individuals research mediation as a potential alternative to litigation. These resources are here to help you better understand how mediated agreements are reached. When divorcing individuals are prepared and supported by legal counsel, mediation often provides a more focused, respectful, and less adversarial path forward.

As Board Certified Specialists in Family Law and Certified Family Financial Mediators, we provide not only dispute resolution but also clarity, structure, and an environment that honors the emotional weight of this transition. We offer these materials to help you understand the mediation process from both a practical and human perspective. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to speak with your attorney or reach out to us for more information.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right mediator is critical to a successful outcome in Family Financial Mediation.
• Look for Board Certification, relevant family law experience, a strong reputation for neutrality, and an adaptable communication style.
• GHMA | LAW offers highly credentialed, deeply experienced mediators for attorney-referred family law matters.