If you have been referred to mediation by the court, contact the Lowcountry Mediation Center as soon as possible. Our team will explain the next steps, answer your questions, and help schedule your mediation session. If possible, have your court paperwork or case information available when you contact us.

To help us assist you more efficiently, please have as much of the following information as possible:

• Your name and contact information
• The other party’s name (if applicable)
• Your case number
• The name of the court handling your case
• Any upcoming court dates or deadlines
• A brief description of the dispute

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information—we’ll help guide you through the process.

Mediation is generally confidential, which means the details of your conversations are not shared with the court. Depending on your case, the court may simply be informed whether mediation took place and whether an agreement was reached. 

If you have questions about confidentiality in your specific situation, we’ll be happy to explain the process before your session begins.

The mediation process itself is generally the same. A neutral mediator helps participants communicate, explore solutions, and work toward an agreement. 

The main difference is that participation has been ordered by the court. Even in court-referred cases, participants are encouraged to work together to develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

No. The mediator facilitates the discussion but does not make decisions. The mediator controls the process; the parties control the outcome.