Why Mediate?
Better Co-Parenting
Mediation gives parents a structured place to discuss their children’s needs and build a workable plan. You do not have to agree on everything before you begin.
Explore school-week routines, holidays, transportation, communication, and changes as children grow. The conversation can account for military schedules, long-distance parenting, and other needs unique to your family.
Carolyn remains neutral. She helps you discuss options; she does not decide custody or pressure either parent to accept a proposal.
Save Money
Resolving disputed issues by agreement may reduce the time and expense that comes with traditional litigation. Mediation creates space to compare options without- or before- asking a judge to decide.
For parties without attorneys, our full-day mediation fee is $3,500. Independent legal advice, court filings, and approval of an agreement are separate steps.
Come prepared with financial information and realistic priorities. Even a partial agreement can narrow the issues that remain.
Save Time
A dedicated day can help you move from repeated disagreements to focused decisions. Carolyn guides the discussion, helps identify common ground, and keeps attention on workable options.
Mediation can begin before every issue is resolved. You may reach a full agreement, resolve selected issues, or identify information needed for a future session.
The timing of a divorce still depends on South Carolina law and the court process. Mediation does not waive separation requirements or guarantee a settlement.
Is Mediation Right for Us?
Mediation may be a good fit when both people are willing to exchange information, listen, and consider practical compromises. You do not need to have every answer before the session.
You can participate with attorneys or as self-represented parties. If either party has an attorney, we are happy to schedule mediation at an hourly rate. Please have counsel contact us if that applies.
Common topics include parenting schedules, custody and visitation, child support, alimony, the family home, retirement accounts, and division of assets and debts. Your agreement should reflect your family’s needs and be reviewed with independent legal advice. We cannot provide financial advice. You should consult with your CPA prior to mediation if you have financial questions.
Carolyn is neutral. She can explain the process and general legal principles, but cannot represent either party, decide your case, tell you whether terms are in your best legal interest, or prepare court pleadings. You are never required to accept a proposal. Offers made in mediation cannot later be used against you in court. Mediation is a confidential, private process (subject to our Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules).
If you have concerns about safety, coercion, or your ability to participate freely, raise them with the office before scheduling so the process and suitability can be considered. Joint meetings, separate meetings, or a combination may be used.
If you reach agreement, Carolyn prepares a written summary of terms. Appropriate Family Court documents and court approval generally remain necessary. If no full agreement is reached, you can explore further mediation or ask the court to decide unresolved issues.
Call 843-261-7025 to discuss scheduling. Please keep pre-session communications focused on the process and include the other party whenever possible.