Durham Divorce Mediation Lawyers

Less Conflict. More Control. A Smarter Way to Move Forward

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.

Ready to Talk?

Speak with a board-certified specialist.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

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:

Property division
Spousal support (alimony)
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Parenting plans and scheduling
Future modifications or dispute resolution terms

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.

Mediation Isn’t Just Easier—It’s Often Smarter

Clients turn to mediation for many reasons:

To reduce legal fees and avoid drawn-out litigation
To keep their private lives out of the courtroom
To preserve a functional co-parenting relationship
To feel more in control of the decisions that will shape their future
To reach resolution without the stress and uncertainty of trial

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.

How Mediation Works in North Carolina

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:

With a neutral mediator (who may or may not be an attorney)
With or without lawyers present
In person or via virtual session
In a single day or across multiple sessions

Once you reach agreements, they can be formalized into a legal separation agreement or incorporated into your divorce judgment.

Our Role in Mediation

At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. in North Carolina, we offer two distinct roles in the mediation process:

1. We Serve as Your Legal Advocate

As Durham divorce mediation attorneys, we help clients prepare for mediation by:

Explaining the legal framework of their case
Identifying priorities and negotiating positions
Reviewing or drafting proposals
Attending mediation sessions (if requested)
Finalizing agreements into legally enforceable documents

We make sure you’re not walking into mediation blind—or leaving with terms that won’t hold up.

2. We Serve as the Mediator

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:

Create a respectful and structured environment
Facilitate productive conversations
Help both parties stay focused and grounded
Provide legal information (but not legal advice)
Guide the documentation of all final terms

Whether you’re working with us as a party or as a mediator, our goal is the same: resolution that protects everyone involved.

Mediation Isn’t Right for Every Case — But It’s Worth Considering

There are situations where mediation isn’t appropriate. For example:

When there’s a significant power imbalance
When one party refuses to disclose financial information
When there’s a history of domestic violence or intimidation
When one side is unwilling to compromise in good faith

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.

Divorce Is Hard Enough. Mediation Can Help Make It Simpler.

We’ve seen how powerful mediation can be.

It protects kids from unnecessary conflict.
It allows each party to feel heard—without being put on trial.
It encourages creative, flexible solutions.
It often leads to better compliance, because both sides helped shape the agreement.
And it saves time, energy, and resources that would be lost in a courtroom.

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.

Serving Mediation Clients Across Durham and the Triangle

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.

Meet Your Durham Divorce Mediation Lawyers

Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.

Autumn D. Osbourne

Partner

Board-Certified Specialist

Gray Ellis

Managing Partner

Board-Certified Specialist

Amanda C. Knight

Partner

Board-Certified Specialist

Hear From Our Clients

Kathleen Murphy is a smartest most resourceful attorney I’ve ever had; If you have a narc ex or a crazy divorce, call Kathleen. She always has kids best interest in...

Kathleen Murphy is a smartest most resourceful attorney I’ve ever had; If you have a narc ex or a crazy divorce, call Kathleen. She always has kids best interest in mind, and will help you weather through craziest divorce and custody. She has reduced so much stress; and always has excellent judgment; a great friend with sound advice. Oh, I’m not sure if she wants others to know, but you can text her anytime, especially when you have to make a decision quickly and you’re dealing with a crazy situation, she’ll respond!! Love you, Kathleen Thank you for being there for us🤗

Dr Alexis Shrager

September 19, 2025 Dear Attorney Shannon Tucker: Thank you for the outstanding representation you provided for us on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at our Temporary Custody Hearing. Your attention to...

September 19, 2025

Dear Attorney Shannon Tucker:

Thank you for the outstanding representation you provided for us on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at our Temporary Custody Hearing.

Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence; and the picture of truth you painted for the Judge and all others present in the courtroom was outstanding.

You made a notable difference, resulting in that we still have custody of our beloved grandson. (There was not a dry eye in the courtroom).

We truly appreciate you; and we are grateful for the time and energy you’ve dedicated to our case.

We are blessed to have someone with your expert abilities representing us.

Sincerely and Love,

Rev. and Mrs. (Patricia) Corbett

Your attention to detail and commitment to excellance;

Charlie Corbett

Eva is a hard working, knowledgeable, bright and ethical attorney. Any client would be fortunate to have her on their side. GTH

...

Eva is a hard working, knowledgeable, bright and ethical attorney. Any client would be fortunate to have her on their side. GTH

Gary Hendrickson

I had a great experience with Ellis Family Law during a very stressful time. I first reached out over the holidays and spoke with Christina, who was kind, responsive, and...

I had a great experience with Ellis Family Law during a very stressful time. I first reached out over the holidays and spoke with Christina, who was kind, responsive, and willing to help when they easily could have said to call back later. The firm moved quickly on short notice, and senior attorney Kathleen Murphy and attorney Tony Kehoe were extremely prepared and professional in court. They clearly understood the situation and handled it calmly and confidently. After a disappointing experience with a previous attorney, working with Ellis Family Law was a huge relief. I felt supported and well represented — and for the first time in a long while, I slept like a baby the night before court. — Edward C. Rosa,

Edward Rosa

Excellent law office with a wonderful staff. Ellis Family Law is highly regarded for a reason, they are great at what they do. The only family law I would recommend...

Excellent law office with a wonderful staff. Ellis Family Law is highly regarded for a reason, they are great at what they do. The only family law I would recommend in the Durham area.

Joseph Foster

The team listened and only wanted the best for all parties.

...

The team listened and only wanted the best for all parties.

Michael Boedeker

Let’s Talk About Whether Mediation Is Right for You

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.

Let’s find out whether mediation could help you move forward—calmly, clearly, and with a plan that works.

Because clarity doesn’t come from conflict. It comes from sitting down and starting the right conversation.

Visit Our Durham Office

Durham Office

Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.

3511 Shannon Road Suite 150 Durham, NC, 27707

Phone: (919) 373-3650

Fax: 877-678-1584

[ Additional hours TBC ]

Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:30pm

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