Mediators are expected to observe program rules, the Standards of Professional Conduct for Mediators and to act consistent with principles of good moral character. In the event a mediation participant or a court official has a complaint about a mediator's conduct, s/he should contact the Dispute Resolution Commission. All calls and complaints addressing mediator conduct will be given the utmost attention. Complaints are processed pursuant to Rule 9 of the Supreme Court’s Rules for the Dispute Resolution Commission. Complaints may also be filed regarding the conduct of mediation trainers and others working with training programs certified by the Commission.

The Commission cannot “undo” agreements reached in mediation or intervene in litigation filed with the court. The Commission regulates mediators only and has no jurisdiction over the conduct of judges or attorneys.

The Commission was established in 1995 pursuant to N.C.G.S.§7A-38.2, and is charged with certifying and regulating the conduct of mediators who are engaged in 1) mediating civil cases filed in the superior courts of North Carolina (N.C.G.S.§7A-38.1);  2) pre-litigation farm nuisance disputes (N.C.G.S.§7A-38.3); 3) equitable distribution and other family financial disputes (N.C.G.S.§7A-38.4); 4) certain matters before the Clerk of Superior Court (N.C.G.S.§7A-38.3B);  and 4) certain matters pending in District Criminal Court (N.C.G.S.§7A-38.3D). The Commission is also charged with certifying and monitoring the activities of certified mediation trainers.

The Commission has adopted Standards of Professional Conduct for Mediators. In addition, Rule 9 of the Dispute Resolution Commission Rules sets forth investigative and hearing procedures for enforcing the Standards. The Standards and the DRC Rules may be found on the Supreme Court's Court Rules page.

Please complete a complaint form by typing or printing your responses. Return your complaint form and attach copies of any documents you may have and mail them to PO Box 2448, Raleigh, NC 27602. If you have any questions about the form or the Commission’s procedures for processing your complaint, please call the Commission’s office at (919) 890-1415, or email staff at [email protected].

To file a Complaint (AOC-DRC-05) with the NCDRC, please visit the Dispute Resolution Commission Complaint Form page.