Mediation ?

[cathy]

Or at least they used to.  When we had to file to get a custody order after the BM moved out of state and reneged on the verbal agreement, we had to file to waive mediation.  This was 97 so it may have changed though.

I think some states do this to try to help cut down on the number of court cases - hoping the problems can be resolved in medication.

After the BM moved back, we had to file for a modification again because we couldn't reach an agreement.  Since she was now local, they (BM and my husband) had to go to mediation.

[jilly]

Mediation is still mandatory in NC.  If the parties can't come to an agreement then they go to court.  However, if the parties agree, mediation can be waived.