Carolina Dispute Mediation, LLC

11/24/2025

We have some December mediation dates open. Schedule your end-of-year mediation: [email protected]

Wishing our friends a HAPPY THANKSGIVING holiday.

12/11/2024

We are out spreading joy. Thank you for your mediation business! Merry Christmas 🎄

05/14/2024

The South Carolina court system has been ordering parties to attend mediation in most court actions, as a way of expediting the outcome of many cases and clearing the court’s docket for emergency matters. Judges’ and court staff’s time is better allocated and tax dollars are saved when disputes can be settled without the need for court intervention.

Mediation is not like a hearing or a trial. The parties do not testify and the mediator does not decide the outcome of the dispute. Discussions are confidential. There is no court reporter or Judge.

Not only does mediation help the parties achieve a resolution much faster, it is also much less stressful than litigation. Depositions, expert witnesses, preparing for trial, and trial itself are expensive, time consuming, create anxiety, can be traumatic for the parties. Do you think you know how a judge or jury will decide? The outcome of trial is uncertain.

Do you want to trust a jury to get it right? If the jury doesn’t trust you or doesn’t like your client, the outcome can be unpredictable.

At Carolina Dispute Mediation, LLC, our goal is to help the parties be heard. A resolution is most often reached when the parties are able to speak and to be heard by the other side. We try to open channels of communication. Our ultimate goal is to help the parties resolve the dispute themselves. Our mediators inject reason into the discussion, encourage each side to see the dispute through the eyes of the other, and carry proposals between the parties.

Finally, mediation is much less expensive than litigating a case through trial. For the cost of one deposition and the transcript, you can hire a mediator for the day, work through the issues, and hopefully come to a peaceful resolution to the lawsuit.

Short Notice? No problem. We have two mediators. Wayne Mumford or John Leiter will travel to your location; we can mediate by Zoom (with the consent of all parties); or you can mediate in our offices, conveniently located between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach off 17 Business.

Call (843) 492-6780 or email ([email protected]) for our available dates.

03/07/2024

In South Carolina, mediation is mandatory for most civil lawsuits. In other cases, the parties may agree to participate in mediation voluntarily.

According to the South Carolina Circuit Court Rules, the court may order mediation in any civil case, except for cases where mediation would be inappropriate or where the parties have already agreed to participate in alternative dispute resolution.

Additionally, some local rules and court programs may require or encourage mediation in certain types of cases, such as family court or personal injury cases.

Even if mediation is not mandatory, parties may choose to participate in mediation voluntarily as a way to avoid the time and expense of going to trial and to try to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

It is important to consult with an attorney regarding the specific requirements and procedures for mediation in your particular case in South Carolina.

Our mediators, John M. Leiter and Patrick Wayne Mumford, each have decades of experience as practicing attorneys in Myrtle Beach, and each has mediated hundreds of cases. They are both certified by the South Carolina Bar and have had extensive training in dispute resolution.

Call 843-492-6780 or email [email protected] for our available dates!

10/19/2023

Learn to LISTEN!

Effective listening is a crucial communication skill that involves not only hearing the words spoken by another person but also understanding, interpreting, and responding – when appropriate – to what they are saying. Effective listening is essential in mediation, as it helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and gather information. Here are some key principles of effective listening:

Give Your Full Attention: To be an effective listener, you must be fully present in the moment. Eliminate distractions, such as turning off your phone during your mediation. Maintain eye contact with the other party and show that you are engaged in the negotiations.

Be Open-Minded: Approach the mediation session with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or judgments. Avoid interrupting or mentally formulating your response while the other person is speaking.

Empathize: Try to understand the other party’s perspective and feelings. Put yourself in their shoes to better comprehend their point of view and emotions.

Paraphrase and Summarize: Periodically summarize or paraphrase what the other party has said to confirm your understanding. This shows the other party that you are actively listening and helps clarify any potential misunderstandings.

Ask Clarifying Questions: If you are unsure about something or need more information, ask questions for clarification. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Use Nonverbal Cues: Your body language and facial expressions can convey your interest and attentiveness. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and using affirmative gestures can signal that you are listening actively.

Avoid Interrupting: Resist the urge to interrupt the speaker, even if you think you know what they are going to say. Allow them to finish their thoughts before responding.

Manage Your Response: Be aware of your emotional reactions and biases. If something the speaker says triggers a strong emotional response, acknowledge it but try not to let it affect your ability to listen effectively and make rational decisions.

Practice Patience: Not all speakers communicate at the same pace or in the same way. Be patient and allow them to express themselves in their own time.

Give Feedback: After the other party has finished, provide feedback that shows you were listening and understanding, such as, "I hear what you're saying, and it sounds like you're feeling..."

Follow Up: If the conversation requires further action or clarification, follow up with the other party to ensure that you have addressed their concerns or questions.

Effective listening is a skill that requires practice and ongoing effort. It can greatly enhance your relationships and communication abilities, whether in personal settings or during your next mediation.

Call Suzy (843) 492-6780 or email: [email protected] for our Wayne Mumford or John Leiter’s available dates. With two mediators, we can usually accommodate your schedule.

10/16/2023

Short notice? No problem.

Whether you have a case on the ADR Sanctions Roster, Motions roster or trial roster, whether you have mediated already or not ... mediating a settlement is likely a better outcome for all parties than the uncertain outcome of a motion for summary judgment or a trial.

Carolina Dispute Resolution is mediating in person and via Zoom (when all parties consent). Let us take the stress out of scheduling mediation.

Please give us a call to schedule half- or full-day mediation sessions. We can work with your schedule.

Email Suzy for our available dates ([email protected]) or call John (843-449-1451) or Wayne (843-492-6780) to discuss the issues prior to scheduling.

John Leiter and Wayne Mumford

07/27/2023

What makes Carolina Dispute Mediation different?

We don’t like to toot our own horn. There are thousands of lawyers in South Carolina certified to mediate, and there are dozens in the local area who we would absolutely recommend as mediators.

From the first time you call for available dates, we like to put the parties at ease. We have two mediators – John M. Leiter and Patrick Wayne Mumford – each with decades of experience as lawyers in Horry County. With two mediators, we have more flexibility and more availability, and can often schedule on very short notice.

With two mediators, often we are able to offer co-mediation for your case. We will get two mediators in the room with the lawyers and clients. Each offers a different perspective and style, and with the “two heads are better than one” theory, we are often able to come up with unique and creative solutions to solve your dispute.

You will find that our friendly staff are here to take the stress and anxiety out of mediation day. We provide snacks, lunch, refreshments, and most days we offer home-made ‘RESOLUTION CAKE” after lunch. Our goal is to help the parties stay focused on finding a solution without leaving the negotiating table.

Finally, while there are many, many fine mediators to choose from, once you spend a day with Wayne or John in our friendly setting, you will realize the calm temperament, respectful demeanor, and empathetic nature of our mediators and staff. In other words, we care. We care that you are heard. We care that your clients feel that they are understood.

Trial is stressful and expensive and the outcome is unpredictable. Give mediation a try.

We do not guarantee you will reach a settlement, but we can guarantee that your clients will have the opportunity to be heard and their position be understood.

Call 843-492-6780 or email [email protected] for our available dates!

06/15/2023

HATE CONFRONTATION? NEED MEDIATION?

Negotiation without confrontation is a skillful approach that aims to reach mutually beneficial agreements while maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere. It involves fostering open communication, understanding the other party's perspective, and finding common ground.

Mediation is a process, and finding a mutually beneficial solution often requires time, patience, and compromise. By employing these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of a successful negotiation without resorting to confrontation.

Our mediators can help. John Leiter specializes in civil litigation, business disputes, employment issues, and complex matters; Wayne Mumford is great at mediating personal injury cases, probate matters and real estate/HOA/zoning issues.

Call Suzy at (843) 492-6780 or email at [email protected] to schedule your next mediation. With two mediators, we are usually available at short notice. Ask for our free downloadable checklist to help your client prepare for mediation.

04/21/2023

ARE THERE ADVANTAGES TO MEDIATING MY LAWSUIT?

There are several reasons why you should consider agreeing to mediate your legal dispute.

Control: Mediation gives you greater control over the outcome of the dispute than going to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome. With mediation, you have a say in the solution that is reached, which can lead to a more satisfactory outcome for all parties.

Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential, which means that what is said and discussed during the mediation cannot be used in court. This allows the parties to speak freely and candidly about the issues without fear of damaging their case.

Time and cost savings: Mediation is typically faster and less expensive than going to trial. By avoiding the time and expense of a trial, you can save both time and money. Have you watched the recent “celebrity” trials on TV? The cost of hiring expert witnesses and the cost of preparing exhibits for use at trial are staggering. Going to trial can cost tens of thousands of dollars in lawyer fees and costs, even for a “simple” trial.

Preservation of relationships: Mediation can help preserve relationships between the parties, which is important in situations where the parties need to continue working together or have a personal relationship that they wish to maintain. We see this most frequently in neighbor vs. neighbor suits, probate litigation where family members are suing over terms in Mom or Dad’s Will, disputes among business partners, and any other lawsuit or dispute with someone you know and will likely have dealings with again in the future.

Creative solutions: Mediation allows for more creative and flexible solutions than those available through a trial. The parties can consider options that may not be available through the legal process, which can lead to more innovative solutions to the dispute.

Reduced stress: Mediation can be less stressful than going to trial. The process is more collaborative and less adversarial, which can help reduce the emotional toll of the dispute.

Overall, agreeing to mediate a lawsuit can be a positive step toward resolving the dispute in a way that is more efficient, cost-effective and satisfactory to all involved.

Our mediators, John M. Leiter and Patrick Wayne Mumford, each have decades of experience as practicing attorneys in Myrtle Beach, and each has mediated hundreds of cases. They are both certified by the South Carolina Bar and have had extensive training in dispute resolution.

Ask for our FREE downloadable checklist to help prepare for mediation!

Call 843-492-6780 or email [email protected] for our available dates!

04/21/2023

Yes, we are in the 21st Century. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Carolina Dispute Mediation, LLC | 34 followers on LinkedIn. Mediation services throughout South Carolina We mediate in person or online and can utilize one mediator or two | Probate Court, Civil Court and pre-litigation mediation services in South Carolina

04/13/2023

Watch JOHN LEITER on TV today! Thank you Maguire for inviting John to join you on "Legal Access" on WMBF-TV live at 12:30 p.m. Eastern 4/13/23

04/11/2023

WHY MEDIATE A LAWSUIT?

The purpose of mediating a lawsuit is to help parties involved in a legal dispute reach a mutually satisfactory agreement without having to go through a trial or obtain a judgment. Mediation provides a more informal and flexible process for resolving conflicts, as opposed to the formal and adversarial nature of a trial.

During mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between the parties to identify the issues and interests involved in the dispute and to help them find common ground and solutions. The mediator is not a Judge! The mediator does not make any decisions or impose any outcomes, but rather, helps the parties negotiate a settlement that they all agree on.

Mediation can be beneficial for many reasons, including that it can be less expensive, less time-consuming, and less emotionally draining than going through a trial. It can also help
preserve relationships between the parties, which may be important in situations where ongoing communication or cooperation is necessary.

Overall, the purpose of mediating a lawsuit is to help the parties find a resolution to their dispute that is fair, efficient, and satisfactory to all involved.

Our mediators, John M. Leiter and Patrick Wayne Mumford, each have decades of experience as practicing attorneys in Myrtle Beach, and each has mediated hundreds of cases. They are both certified by the South Carolina Bar and have had extensive training in dispute resolution.

Ask for our FREE downloadable checklist to help prepare for mediation!

Call 843-492-6780 or email [email protected] for our available dates!