THE PROCESS
How mediation
actually works
A step-by-step look at what happens from the moment you contact us to the moment your session ends — so nothing feels like a surprise.
STEP BY STEP
From first contact to resolution
You contact LMC
Reach out by phone, email, or our online request form. Tell us about your situation. We’ll confirm whether LMC is the right fit, explain the process, and answer any questions.
Intake & eligibility
You’ll receive a welcome email with next steps. Fees are assessed using a sliding scale tied to the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Both parties pay an application fee before scheduling can begin.
Scheduling & preparation
Once fees are received and a mediator is matched, your session is scheduled. You’ll be asked to submit all relevant documents, a financial declaration (family court), and a personal position statement at least 72 hours in advance. Mediation fees are due within 7 days of scheduling notice.
The opening
At the beginning of the session, your mediator introduces themselves, explains their role, reviews ground rules, and confirms that all parties consent to mediating in good faith. Confidentiality is established. Notes are destroyed at the end of the session.
Private breakout rooms
Whether in person or on Zoom, each party participates from a private room. Parties are not required to meet together — if either party prefers not to, the mediator will honor that. The mediator begins with the plaintiff (the party who filed).
Discussion & negotiation
The mediator moves between rooms, listening to each side, identifying areas of agreement and disagreement, and carrying offers and counteroffers. They may offer suggestions based on experience but will never pressure either party and cannot provide legal advice.
If an agreement is reached
A written Settlement Agreement is drafted and signed (or e-signed) by both parties. It becomes legally binding once a judge approves it. You are never required to sign anything you’re not comfortable with.
If no agreement is reached
The case returns to court for trial scheduling. Nothing said during mediation can be used against you in court — the session is without prejudice. A follow-up session may also be an option if both parties are willing.
Timing: LMC schedules sessions for a minimum of 4 hours. Family court requires a minimum of 3 hours by South Carolina law. Sessions can last a full day or longer. The mediator may end the session early if a participant is no longer negotiating in good faith.
Location: In person at an attorney’s office, the Charleston School of Law mediation center, or a local courthouse — or via Zoom.
CASE TYPES
Types of cases LMC handles
LMC’s volunteer mediators are trained across Family, Civil, and Community practice areas. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, just ask us.
Family
- Divorce and separation matters
- Child custody and co-parenting arrangements
- Family and parenting disputes
- Court-referred family court cases
SC LAW NOTE
Family court mediation is mandatory across all 46 SC counties. Sessions must be at least 3 hours by law.
Civil
- Small claims and civil disputes
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury cases
- Property disputes
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Employee/employer disputes
- Probate and heirs’ property cases
Community
- Neighborhood conflicts
- Community and local disputes
- Disputes between organizations
- Non-court-referred community matters
Not sure if your case qualifies?
Just reach out — there’s no cost or obligation to ask. We’ll help you figure out if mediation is the right fit.