Local Rule LR 16.8.3: Compensation and Expenses of Mediators

LR 16.8.3 Compensation and Expenses of Mediators.

(a) The mediator's preparation time and the first six hours of mediation services shall be provided pro bono. After six hours of mediation, the parties and the mediator shall agree to one of the following courses of action: (1) to terminate the mediation; (2) to continue the mediation with the mediator providing his or her services on a pro bono basis; or (3) to continue the mediation with the mediator providing his or her services at the mediator's regular hourly rate for professional services rendered to the mediator's typical clientele or, in the absence of a standard hourly rate, at the rate of $200.00 per hour. If the parties and the mediator are unable to agree on a course of action, the mediation shall be terminated. If the parties and the mediator select option (3), all terms and conditions of the mediator's fee agreement must be set forth in writing. The parties shall pay the mediator directly. The court assumes no responsibility for the supervision or enforcement of the parties' agreement to pay for mediation services.

(b) An individual certified as a mediator shall not be called upon more than three times in a calendar year to serve as a mediator without prior approval of the mediator.

(c) Except as provided herein, a mediator shall not accept anything of value from any source for services provided under the court-annexed mediation program.