North Carolina Divorce Mediation & Settlement
Quick answer: How North Carolina divorce mediation works. A neutral mediator helps both sides reach a confidential agreement on property, alimony, custody, and support. It’s voluntary unless ordered; the mediator doesn’t decide the case. A deal becomes binding when you sign a separation agreement or consent order your judge can enforce.
Settle well, once. We prepare you with clear numbers, options, and language agencies will follow—so banks, employers, schools, and plan administrators know exactly what to do the next day.
Your North Carolina Divorce Mediation Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years guiding private mediation, court-connected custody mediation, and mediated settlement conferences—focused on enforceable separation agreements, consent orders, and clean equitable distribution ledgers.
Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.
Start by situation
Fast answers
Is mediation required? Custody mediation is standard in many NC districts. Property/alimony issues often use a private mediator or a mediated settlement conference under local rules.
Who attends? You, your lawyer, the other side, and a neutral mediator. The mediator does not decide the case; they help you make a deal that works.
Are terms binding? Talks are confidential; terms are binding when signed in a separation agreement or entered as a consent order.
Why settle? Faster, private, and tailored. Orders and agreements can include language that banks, HR, schools, and plan admins follow right away.
Private mediation: pace and privacy
We select a mediator who fits your case, exchange summaries in advance, and arrive with draft terms. Sessions can be joint, private caucus, or both. You control the outcome and timing.
Mediated settlement conference (property & support)
Many property and alimony disputes resolve at an MSC. We bring a clean equitable-distribution ledger, tax-aware alimony options, and retirement division language that QDRO providers accept.
Custody mediation
Courts often require custody mediation early. We prepare you to focus on schedules, exchanges, school decisions, and tools like parenting coordinators when conflict is high.
Numbers drive settlement
We build an ED spreadsheet (assets, debts, distributive factors), child support worksheets, and realistic budgets. When the numbers are clear, negotiations move.
Separation agreements & MSAs
Contract terms for property and alimony sit alongside custody/support consent orders. We write with enough detail that agencies can follow without confusion.
Consent orders that work
We draft clear, enforceable orders—decision-making, parenting time, wage withholding, medical coverage, and plan administrator language that routes correctly.
Alimony terms
Amount and duration reflect incomes, budgets, and factors courts use. We add tax-aware language, step-downs, and review points so future changes are predictable.
Breaking impasse
When things stall, we reframe issues, split topics, add neutral info (valuations, school records), or set a short follow-up session. The goal is progress, not pressure.
Your first 72 hours with our team
1) Goals & guardrails
Define must-haves and red lines.
2) Numbers
ED spreadsheet, support worksheets, budgets.
3) Draft
Term sheets for property, support, and custody.
4) Session
Mediation or MSC with a focused agenda.
5) Paper it
Signable agreement and/or consent orders.
FAQs
Is mediation confidential?
Do I need my own lawyer at mediation?
How long does mediation take?
What if we don’t settle?
Can we mediate before filing?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years resolving NC divorce cases at mediation
- Clean paperwork: separation agreements and consent orders
- Numbers that move cases: ED ledgers and support worksheets
- Agency-ready language that banks, HR, and schools follow
Client reviews
A. Murdoch — “We settled property and alimony in one day. The paperwork was clear and my HR department understood it.”
T. Hall — “K.E. Culbertson came in with numbers and options. The consent order reads like a checklist everyone can follow.”
J. Wright — “Our mediator said the prep was some of the best they’d seen. We finished without court fights.”
S. Patel — “Mr. Culbertson kept things calm, moved past roadblocks, and protected what mattered to me.”
L. Owens — “The separation agreement covered the details. Banks and the plan administrator accepted it without revisions.”
M. Rivera — “Straight talk, smart strategy, and a fair result. Grateful we settled instead of fighting.”
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM • Area served: North Carolina
Related resources: North Carolina Divorce
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