(704) 868-9576

The Mediation Center of the
Southern Piedmont

Resolving Disputes and Finding Solutions in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties since 1989.

What is the Mediation Center?

The Mediation Center of the Southern Piedmont is a non-profit organization serving Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties. The mission of the Center is to provide mediation services and restorative justice programs toassist people in resolving their disputes in a confidential, affordable, and peaceful manner by providing trained mediators in a neutral setting.

Who can
request Mediation?

Mediation may be requested by anyone in a dispute and may also be referred by the Magistrate or District Attorney. The Center receives funding in part from grants from the Administrative Office of the Courts, contracts, and individual contributions.

Who are
the mediators?

Mediators are your fellow citizens who are trained to negotiate; they do not serve as judges or lawyers. Mediators are impartial and will not make decisions for you; they will help you decide for yourself how best to resolve your dispute.The Center carefully trains its volunteers.

Who enforces mediation agreements?

Parties in a mediated case share responsibility for upholding their agreement. Should either party fail to abide by the agreement, the case may be reopened for mediation or returned to court.

What are the benefits of mediation?

  • It works! — Mediation is a “win-win” rather than a “win-lose” solution.
  • It’s convenient! — Most mediation sessions are scheduled within two weeks in your hometown and most disputes are resolved in one meeting.
  • It’s confidential! — Almost everything disclosed during mediation is confidential and cannot be used in a lawsuit.
  • It’s affordable! — Court costs and attorney fees can be avoided or reduced.
  • It’s cooperative, not adversarial! — Mediation provides a comfortable, safe and respectful setting for discussion.
  • It protects your legal remedies! — If mediation does not result in an agreement; you can still go to court.
  • It allows you to have control of the outcome! — In the mediation process, the people involved in the situation are the ones who control the outcome and create an agreement that works for them.
  • It’s forward-looking! — Mediation focuses on what the issues are now, how they can be resolved, and what can be done to avoid similar problems in the future