Practice Area Articles
WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute come together voluntarily to try to develop a solution to their problem with the help of a neutral third person (or persons), called the mediator. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator, the mediator does not take sides, or make decisions. The mediator, usually trained in conflict resolution, is there to help the disputants evaluate their goals and options…
FAMILY COURT: If your domestic lawsuit is filed in Buncombe County, it will be sent to Family Court. The 28th Judicial District (Buncombe County) is presently one of several judicial districts in North Carolina that has established a Unified Family Court system to handle cases that involve families and children, including both “domestic” and “juvenile” cases. Cases with issues such as domestic violence, child custody and visitation, and divorce related financial issues such as child…
Generally speaking, it is impossible to predict exactly how long the case will take. After the case is under way, and your attorney understands the issues, he will be better able to gauge the duration. How long it will take depends on the following factors: The number and complexity of contested issues; The attitudes of each of the parties, their attorneys, and their inclination to settle; The court’s calendar. Some hearings can usually be scheduled…
The mediator’s role is to move the parties beyond personality clashes and historic grievances. Only then can the mediator help you improve communication so any future dealings can take place without repeating the difficulties of the past. Mediation is a useful tool because it adds a new dimension to the negotiations. Because the mediator’s purpose is to help guide you to find solutions that you can both agree to, he/she does not have the power…
Social Media is a new facet of communication today. We understand that everyone participates in social media to some degree. When you are involved in divorce proceedings, or any type of litigation for that matter, a good general practice is to avoid discussing any element of your case, or your spouse, in any social media forum. All social media is discoverable, and it never goes away. If you are considering divorce or litigation, be very…