All clients will hire Wetmore directly.  Wetmore is not certified by the dispute resolution commission to accept court appointed mediations in family matters.  These certifications are reserved for: SEEATTACHEDFFSRULE 8. “MEDIATOR CERTIFICATION AND DECERTIFICATION.

Wetmore is, however, certified to be appointed by the courts to mediate cases in Superior Court, District Court, Worker’s Compensation and Clerk of Court Estate and Guardianship matters.

When parties contact Wetmore, an initial conference is scheduled, usually at Wetmore’s offices at101 Government Avenue SW,Hickory,NC.  The initial conference is usually scheduled for two hours. This initial conference is no charge and is intended to allow Wetmore to determine if going forward with mediation would be fruitful.

It is recommended that both parties be present initially and remain in the same room with Wetmore.  This is opposed to the other types of mediation where the parties are separated after the initial discussions.

Each of the parties concerns will be discussed and recorded. Questions will be asked of a factual nature, such as bank balances, retirement provisions, outstanding debt, children’s names, ages, and any unusual problems with their health. The questionnaire form is extensive, but is necessary to establish a foundation for a later agreement.

Usually, all issues can be settled in three six hour sessions, but can take up to six sessions.

The normal fees are $250.00 per hour (including time to draft the MOA) plus a one time administrative fee of $250.00.  It is required that a Mediation Agreement be signed by both parties, but cancellation of the process can occur at any time if either party feels it is not productive.

When agreement on all issues is reached, a Memorandum of Agreement is presented to both parties, who are then advised to present it to legal counsel for approval and signatures. When this document is approved by the courts, it becomes enforceable.

Posted By:

Louis Wetmore

828-624-4123

www.wetmoremediation.com