This information is designed to assist pro se parties—those unrepresented by an attorney—who will be attending a court-referred mediated settlement conference by linking to resources that, hopefully, will provide a basic understanding of the mediation process and some tools to assist in that process. 

If you are unfamiliar with the law and legal proceedings, it could be difficult to represent yourself at a mediation. This may be particularly true and you may be at a disadvantage if the other party has an attorney. For these reasons, the Commission strongly urges all parties to seek legal counsel for the mediation. The Commission, however, also recognizes that sometimes a party cannot afford, or for other reasons, chooses not to hire an attorney. 

If you will be participating in a mediation without an attorney, please be aware that while the mediator will do his or her best to ensure a civil and full discussion of the issues, s/he cannot give legal advice to anyone participating in the conference. 

If your case is a civil case pending in superior court which has been referred to a mediated settlement conference, choose the Mediated Settlement Conference (MSC) Program for useful program information. Other links on the MSC Program page offer additional information, such as a program brochure, program rules, and program statistics. 

• Superior Court Mediation Guide: Parties Not Represented By Attorneys

If your case is a family financial case that has been referred to a mediated settlement conference in District Court, choose the Family Financial Program (FFS), for useful program information. Other links on the FFS Program page can offer additional information, such as a program brochure, program rules, and program statistics. 

• Family Financial Mediation Guide: Parties Not Represented by Attorneys

The Mediation Confidentiality Agreement form is available for all participants to a court-ordered mediation. The form provides certain provisions the parties may wish to agree to prior to commencing with the mediation process. The mediator assigned to mediate your case is prohibited from providing legal advice, they cannot answer questions about this form, nor can they provide an opinion of whether you should sign this form. The Commission recommends all inquiries about this form be directed to an attorney.

• Mediation Confidentiality Agreement

 
Commission staff are available to answer questions you may have. Call the Commission at (919) 890-1415, or email us at [email protected].