RULE 9.3                                         MEDIATION

At any time after service of summons in an action for divorce, annulment, or spousal support, or at any time after filing a post decree motion to modify residential parent/custodial or companionship are an issue, the Court, or its Domestic Relations Magistrate, may order both parties to participate in mediation assessment. If mediation assessment determines that the case qualifies for mediation, the Court may permit and encourage both parties to participate in mediation for a minimum of three sessions unless the mediator determines that mediation is not appropriate and terminates the sessions.

The parties may agree to mediate issues other than those of residential custodian and companionship matters.

The cost of the mediation shall include a deposit, which shall be determined by the Court for initial one-hour session and a follow-up mediation assessment and status report to the Court. Additional one-hour session and a follow-up mediation assessment and status report to the Court. Additional mediation sessions, preparations of Memorandums of Understanding, reports of Mediation Outcome and all other necessary time and document preparation shall be an hourly rate to be determined by the Court. The Court or its Domestic Relations Magistrate shall determine the percentage of hourly rate to be paid by each of the parties based upon a determination as reflected in the Financial Affidavits of the parties, with a minimum of ten percent (10%) to be paid by any party, regardless of employment.