Mediation

Mediation is a private process where a neutral third person called a mediator helps the parties discuss and try to resolve the dispute. The parties have the opportunity to describe the issues, discuss their interests, understandings, and feelings; provide each other with information and explore ideas for the resolution of the dispute.

While courts can mandate certain cases go to mediation, the parties are not required to come to agreement. The mediator does not have the power to make a decision for the parties, but can help the parties find a resolution that is mutually acceptable. The only people who can resolve the dispute in mediation are the parties themselves. If the parties reach an agreement, the mediator may help reduce the agreement to a written contract, which may be enforceable in court.

James W. Kilbourne, Jr., and Robert E. Dungan are mediators certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission.  They are available to conduct mediations.

Available for mediations across North Carolina and in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Transylvania, McDowell, Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Macon, Graham, Clay, Cherokee, Burke, Rutherford, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties.