Under these rules, parties in equitable distribution actions shall be required to attend a mediated settlement conference or, if the parties agree, other settlement procedure. Parties may select a mediator, though the court shall make the selection if the parties cannot agree. The rules outline procedures for conducting mediation, including scheduling, participant duties, attendance requirements, payment of fees, sanctions, mediator authority and duties, confidentiality, impartiality, and reporting of results. The rules also discuss mediator qualifications, training, and certification of programs. Finally, the rules give brief procedural outlines for other ADR methods, including neutral evaluation and judicial conferences.
North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Implementing Settlement Procedures in Equitable Distribution and Other Family Financial Cases
Supreme Court of North Carolina. Apr. 1, 2014https://www.nccourts.gov/assets/inline-files/FFS_allrules.pdf?ZNr_KiOUInAQb6rBWQfp0ftcKabwGr2d