In February of 2003, I participated in a week long mediation training for family and divorce mediation in North Carolina, presented by Mediation, Inc. While I have represented clients in mediation settings for several years, the training provided my first opportunity to view a case, lawyers and their clients, through the eyes of a mediator. I liked the challenge I perceived in training.

Following the February 2003 training, I observed mediations related to child custody and family financial issues. Through neutral observation, I was again afforded the opportunity to gain insight into the mediation process and the tools of a mediator. On March 31st of 2003, I was certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct family financial mediations.

In pilot districts throughout North Carolina, including the 28th (Buncombe County) and the 30th (Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Macon, Graham, Cherokee and Clay Counties), Rules of the North Carolina Supreme Court compel mediation, or other settlement procedures, in family financial cases. Parties can select a mediator of their choice or the Court may select a mediator.

If you are interested in my services as a mediator, please contact me. If you would like more information about the mediation process, you will find some of the forms and correspondence I use below. Finally, you will find a link to the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission where rules and forms related to mediation are available.

- Jim Siemens