Who qualifies as a mediator and how are they trained?

You and the other party will be given the opportunity to choose a mediator. If you select a mediator who has been certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, you can be assured that mediator has completed at least 40 hours of mediation training. Many certified mediators are experienced attorneys with family litigation experience. There are also certified non-attorney mediators who have been trained in court organization and procedures. Lists of certified mediators are posted on the Commission’s web site, along with information about each mediator’s education, experience and training.

Source: North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission pamphlet “Mediated Settlement Conferences in Equitable Distribution and Other Family Financial Cases”
Attribution: North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission