It depends. If you file a lawsuit in Mecklenburg County for child custody, the parties will typically have to attend mediation at the courthouse as well as an orientation session and parent education classes. These are all attended without your attorneys in an effort to settle your case without the need for litigation. There are circumstances, however, where mediation will not be required, such as if one party lives more than 90 miles from the courthouse or if there are allegations of domestic violence in your case.