Dispute Settlement Program
"Resolution is where progress happens."
Since 1983, the dispute settlement program has been a trusted resource for Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents seeking a collaborative alternative to the courtroom. By providing free mediation and conciliation services, we create a confidential space where disputes can be resolved with respect, understanding and mutual agreement.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is an informal process where a neutral third party -a trained mediator -guides individuals or groups toward their solutions. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, mediators don't make decisions. Instead, they facilitate open communication, helping participants:
- Define and clarify issues
- Break down communication barriers
- Reach agreements that work for everyone
This process gives individuals ownership of their decisions, making outcomes more meaningful and sustainable. For example, neighbors who mediate their differences often find it easier to coexist because they've shaped the solution together, rather than having one imposed by a court.
How Mediation Benefits Our Community
Mediation goes beyond resolving individual disputes -it strengthens the community by fostering cooperation and unity. It empowers residents to take charge of their challenges, reduces the burden on the court system and prmotes a problem-solving culture.
Benefits for disputing parties:
- A confidential, private setting for open dialogue
- Opportunities to make restitution for damages
- Avoidance of court convictions
- Significant savings in time and costs
Benefits for the community:
- Fewer cases clogging court dockets
- Enhanced turst and cooperation among neighbors
- Use conflict resolution as a sustainable solution
- Reduced taxpayer costs
Working Together Strengthens Our Community
Our program thrives on community collaboration. We work with local nonprofits, city and county departments, and state partners to address disputes ranging from landlord-tenant issues to neighborhood conflicts. For example, we've helped landlords and tenants negotiate rental payment plans, ensuring stable housing while preventing evictions.
We also host community forums, creating safe spaces for dialogue about challenges and opportunities for improvement. By facilitating these conversations, we enable participants to voice their needs and develop actionable solutions together.
Mediation Services
Our program handles a wide range of disputes, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal complaints (e.g. assault or harassment)
- 50C No contact orders
- Neighborhood disputes
- Homeowner association conflicts
- Workplace disputes
- Student truancy and issues
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Medicaid appeals
- Consumer complaints
We even assist with payment restitution, offering a seamless system that integrates with court processes to track and facilitate payments.
Empowering Through Training
We believe in equipping the community with tools to have effective communication and conflict resolution. Our two-day conflict resolution course covers essential skills such as diversity awareness and navigating difficult conversations. There is a also a de-escalation training that is available by request. Training is tailored to specific needs, ensuring impactful learning for city employees, community leaders and residents. Participants in the two-day conflict resolution training can begin the process of serving as a volunteer mediator with our program.
The dispute settlement program is building a community where every voice matters and every conflict has the potential to create understanding. Mediation isn't just about solving disputes -but also about creating a more peaceful Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Together, we can lay the foundation for a harmonious future. To participate in our our conflict resolution training, sign up by completing the Conflict Resolution Training Request Form.
Dispute Settlement Team
Contact Us
For more information about mediation or to schedule a session, please call: 704.336.2903.