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As of December 18, 2025, the North Carolina Supreme Court has announced significant changes to civil practice procedures in the state, aiming to streamline and improve the efficiency of the legal system. The new rules, which have been in development for several months, are set to have a profound impact on the handling of civil cases in North Carolina.One of the key changes introduced is the implementation of mandatory mediation for all civil cases before they proceed to trial. This initiative is designed to encourage parties to resolve their disputes outside of court, saving time and resources for all involved. Mediation has been proven to be a successful method for resolving conflicts in a timely and cost-effective manner, and its adoption in North Carolina is expected to lead to quicker resolutions for civil cases.In addition to the mandatory mediation requirement, the new rules also address the issue of court delays by establishing strict timelines for the scheduling of hearings, motions, and other proceedings. This is intended to prevent cases from languishing in the system and ensure that all parties receive timely resolutions to their disputes. Judges will be expected to adhere to these timelines and proactively manage their dockets to keep cases moving forward efficiently.Furthermore, the Supreme Court has introduced changes to electronic filing procedures to modernize the court system and reduce paperwork. Attorneys and litigants will now be required to file all documents electronically, which will not only save time and resources but also make it easier for all parties to access and review case materials.Overall, these changes represent a significant shift in North Carolina’s civil practice procedures and are aimed at improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s legal system. The Supreme Court hopes that these reforms will lead to more timely resolutions, reduced costs, and improved access to justice for all North Carolinians involved in civil cases.