Rule 2.1 Mediation Rules

Here's a plain English summary:

A probate judge can order the people involved in a case to try mediation before going further in court. Mediation is a process where a neutral person helps the parties talk through their disagreement and try to reach an agreement, instead of having a judge decide for them.

This applies to cases involving probate (settling someone's estate after they die), trusts, conservatorships (managing someone's money or property when they can't do it themselves), and guardianships (making decisions for someone who can't make decisions on their own). If the court sends a case to mediation, the parties have to follow a specific set of mediation rules that spell out how the process works.

The goal is to give people a chance to work out their differences with help from a mediator, which can be faster and less stressful than a full court fight. If mediation doesn't lead to an agreement, the case can still go back to the judge for a decision.