The CDR program of each vicinage shall include mediation of civil, probate, and general equity matters, pursuant to rules and guidelines approved by the Supreme Court.
(a) Referral to Mediation. The court may, sua sponte and by written order, refer any civil, general equity, or probate action to mediation for an initial two hours, which shall include an organizational telephone conference, preparation by the mediator, and the first mediation session. In addition, the parties to an action may request an order of referral to mediation and may either select the mediator or request the court to designate a mediator from the court-approved roster.
(b) Designation of Mediator. If the parties have not selected the mediator prior to entry of the mediation referral order, the court shall in its referral order designate a mediator from the court-approved roster. The parties may, however, within 14 days after entry of the mediation referral order stipulate in writing to the designation of a different mediator. Within that fourteen-day period, the stipulation shall be filed with the Civil CDR Coordinator and a copy thereof served upon the mediator designated by the mediation referral order. A mediator designated by such stipulation shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the mediation referral order.
(c) Stay of Proceedings. The court may, in the mediation referral order, stay discovery for a specific or an indeterminate period.
(d) Withdrawal and Removal from Mediation. A motion for removal from mediation shall be filed and served upon all parties within 10 days after the entry of the mediation referral order and shall be granted only for good cause. Any party may withdraw from mediation after the initial two hours provided for by paragraph (a) of this rule. The mediation may, however, continue with the consent of the mediator and the remaining parties if they determine that it may be productive even without participation by the withdrawing party.
(e) Mediation Statement. The mediator shall fix a date following the telephonic conference for the exchange by the parties and service upon the mediator of a brief statement of facts and proposals for settlement not exceeding ten pages. At the discretion of the mediator, each party’s statement of facts may be prepared and submitted to the mediator for review without service of the statement of facts on the other party. All documents prepared for mediation shall be confidential and subject to Rule 1:40-4(c) and (d).
(f) Procedure Following Mediation. Promptly upon termination of the mediation process, the mediator shall report to the court in writing as to whether or not the action or any severable claim therein has been settled.
(g) Compensation of Mediators. Mediators shall be compensated as provided by Rule 1:40-4(b) and Appendix XXVI (“Guidelines for the Compensation of Mediators Serving in the Civil Mediation Program”).
