Family Financial Mediation

Resolve property, support, and financial issues from your separation or divorce — on your terms, outside the courtroom.

What is family financial mediation?

Family financial mediation is a private, confidential meeting where separating or divorcing spouses work with a neutral mediator to reach their own agreement about money and property. The mediator doesn't take sides or decide the outcome — she helps both of you communicate, explore options, and find a resolution you can both accept.

Mediation can address:

  • Equitable distribution — dividing marital property and debts

  • Alimony and post-separation support

  • Child support

  • Separation agreements and property settlements

  • Other family financial disputes

Two ways to mediate

Court-ordered mediation

If you have an equitable distribution case in North Carolina district court, you will usually be required to attend a mediated settlement conference under the state's Family Financial Settlement (FFS) program. The parties and their attorneys attend. You may select a certified mediator together; if you don't agree on one, the court appoints one. If no agreement is reached, the case returns to the court calendar, and the judge isn't told why.

Voluntary mediation

You don't need a lawsuit to mediate. Couples who want to resolve their finances privately — before filing or instead of filing — can choose mediation at any time. You and the mediator define the issues together at the start. Voluntary mediation is often faster and less costly than litigation.

What to expect

  1. Schedule. Request a date below. A one-time administrative fee secures your mediator.

  2. Prepare. Gather financial records: account statements, debts, tax returns, and retirement and property values. Full, honest disclosure is expected of both parties.

  3. Mediate. Sessions may include joint meetings and private one-on-one meetings ("caucuses") with the mediator.

  4. Finalize. If you reach an agreement, your attorneys prepare the final documents, such as a Separation Agreement, Property Settlement, or Consent Order.

Important to know

  • The mediator is neutral. Although she is a licensed attorney, she does not give legal advice or represent either party — now or in the future.

  • Have your own attorney. Each party is strongly encouraged to retain their own attorney and have any agreement reviewed before signing.

  • Confidentiality has limits. Mediation is private, but the mediator must report certain matters required by law, such as child abuse.

Your mediator

Margaret J. Megerian, Certified Family Financial Mediator

Margaret Megerian is a Randolph County native and a graduate of Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of Law. As a family law partner at Megerian, McCroskey & Wells, she brings practical experience with property division, support, and alimony matters to every mediation. She is a recipient of the NC Bar Association's Chief Justice Award for pro bono service.

Margaret travels to any law office or courthouse meeting space in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, Davidson, Montgomery, Moore, and Chatham Counties.

Fees

  • $200 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments

  • $200 one-time administrative fee, due when you select your mediator (non-refundable)

  • Fees are split equally between the parties unless otherwise agreed, and are due at the end of each session

  • Cash, check, debit or credit card, and payment apps accepted

These rates apply when the parties select Margaret as their mediator. Fees for court-appointed mediators are set by North Carolina's Family Financial Settlement rules.

Request a mediation date

Mediations can be requested online for the 2nd and 4th Mondays and Fridays of each month, with start times between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Submit the form below and our office will contact you to confirm the date, location, and the other party's information.

Need a different day? Please contact our office by phone at (336) 625-1436 or send us a message through our Contact page.

Please DO NOT share confidential information in this form.

Information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Submitting a request or scheduling a mediation does not create an attorney-client relationship with Margaret J. Megerian or Megerian, McCroskey & Wells.