Trained and experienced mediators are available to assist you in resolving your District Court case. If you are involved in a self-generated criminal case (citizen initiated at Magistrates office) in New Hanover or Pender County, the ADR Center may be able to assist you in resolving your case out of court. In conjunction with the Court and the District Attorney's office, cases successfully resolved in mediation result in a dismissal of the charges. Contact the ADR Center at (910) 362-8000, info@theADRcenter.org or complete the inquiry form to see if mediation is right for you and your case.
Mediation allows the people involved in a court case to resolve it on their own terms by reaching a mutually acceptable agreement
Mediation is:
… an alternative to litigation
… affordable
… confidential
… voluntary
… an opportunity for each party to listen and communicate
… safe and non-adversarial
… a chance for people to exercise their right to work out a solution they can live with
How it works:
Each party speaks with a mediator from the ADR Center and agrees to participate in the process.
During the mediation, each party has an opportunity to explain the dispute, discuss the issues, and understand the other person's position.
Trained mediators help people focus on the issues.
The mediators help the parties find workable solutions, but they don't decide who's right or who's wrong.
If the parties reach an agreement, the mediators write it up.
If the parties do not reach a settlement or sign an agreement that is not honored, the individuals involved still have the option of taking their dispute to court.
What it can accomplish:
Most mediations end in agreement.
Mediated agreements are honored more often than those that are court-ordered.
People can settle disputes in a peaceful, constructive way.