Local Rule 13: Mediation

13. Mediation. The Court may order mediation of any dispute arising in an adversary proceeding, contested matter, or otherwise. Parties may agree to mediate any dispute without Court approval. No matter may be mediated by a sitting judge without first obtaining an order from the Court. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the mediation of a matter does not delay or stay discovery, pretrial hearing dates, or trial dates. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any fees and costs of the mediator will be shared equally by the parties.