Smart attorneys. I felt like I was in highly competent hands.
You want a divorce, not a war.
You and your spouse might not agree on everything, but you both know you’d rather make decisions together than hand them off to a judge.
You’re looking for a process that keeps things focused, private, and productive—something built to reach resolution, not escalate the conflict. That’s why many of our clients turn to divorce mediation.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., we guide clients through the mediation process with respect, structure, and a focus on resolution. Mediation offers the opportunity to work through important decisions with more control and less collateral damage.
It’s not about pretending everything’s fine.
It’s about making sure the process doesn’t do more harm than it has to.
Mediation is a voluntary, non-adversarial process where both spouses and their attorneys work with a neutral third party (the mediator) to resolve divorce-related issues outside of court.
You can mediate:
Mediation gives you the opportunity to craft a custom divorce agreement that works for your life, not just what the judge decides in a limited hearing.
Clients turn to mediation for many reasons:
Even in high-conflict situations, mediation can help lower the temperature, shift the focus, and move both parties toward closure with less emotional and financial cost.
Mediation can be court-ordered or voluntary. In Durham County, custody and equitable distribution (property division) mediation are frequently required, but you don’t have to wait for the court to mandate it.
You can begin private mediation at any time—before, during, or even after the divorce process.
Mediation can be conducted:
Once you reach agreements, they can be formalized into a legal separation agreement or incorporated into your divorce judgment.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. in North Carolina, we offer two distinct roles in the mediation process:
As Durham divorce mediation attorneys, we help clients prepare for mediation by:
We make sure you’re not walking into mediation blind—or leaving with terms that won’t hold up.
We also provide neutral mediation services for couples who want to work with an experienced family law attorney but prefer not to hire separate counsel. As mediators, we:
Whether you’re working with us as a party or as a mediator, our goal is the same: resolution that protects everyone involved.
There are situations where mediation isn’t appropriate. For example:
But in most cases, even those with high tension, mediation is a valuable tool. And unlike litigation, you can always choose to walk away and pursue other legal options.
Mediation gives you space to try. Without giving up your rights.
We’ve seen how powerful mediation can be.
We’re not here to push mediation when it doesn’t make sense. We’re here to offer it as a path forward—when it does.
We work with individuals and families throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the broader Triangle region. Whether you need a lawyer to represent you during mediation or a mediator to guide the process, we’re ready to help.
We offer both phone and virtual mediation sessions to accommodate your schedule, your privacy needs, and your comfort level.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Smart attorneys. I felt like I was in highly competent hands.
...Smart attorneys. I felt like I was in highly competent hands.
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even...
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even know where to start. I think there’s 2 Sarahs so her last name was Mercer, but Sarah M. was amazing! She was so kind, I felt so cared for and she answered all my questions and even talked me through legal terms I didn’t quite understand. What a good experience to turn around such an anxious day for me.
Working with Sarah M has been such an enjoyable experience. During our interactions I always felt she was very trust worthy and willing to listen. She has been responsive to...
Working with Sarah M has been such an enjoyable experience. During our interactions I always felt she was very trust worthy and willing to listen. She has been responsive to all my questions and concerns. She is an outstanding asset to your firm.
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Ellis Family Law. Autumn represented me in a contentious child custody case and we were able to settle...
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Ellis Family Law. Autumn represented me in a contentious child custody case and we were able to settle outside of court and obtain a fair settlement to the matter. Autumn provides very sound advice and doesn’t back down from the important issues. I felt that the firm was very responsible with the allocation of resources and efficient with billable hours, avoiding unnecessary charges. I recommend this firm to anyone that is going through a divorce or child custody issue.
We highly recommend the legal services of attorney Ellis. Attorney Ellis has represented us in a very difficult family issue and we have been more than satisfied. The firm is...
We highly recommend the legal services of attorney Ellis. Attorney Ellis has represented us in a very difficult family issue and we have been more than satisfied. The firm is extremely knowledgeable about family law and has consistently conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism. We would not think of going into a courtroom without them.
You don’t have to go to war to get divorced.
You don’t have to give up everything to avoid court.
And you don’t have to keep wondering if there’s a better way.
Because clarity doesn’t come from conflict. It comes from sitting down and starting the right conversation.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
