C43 1992-1: LAO Mediation

Pursuant to MCR 8.112 the following Administrative Order is entered which hereby rescinds Administrative Order 1985-1:

1. Mediation Clerk Designation

Pursuant to MCR 8.403(F), the Court hereby designates the Circuit Court Assignment Clerk to serve as the Mediation Clerk.

In divorce cases the Friend of the Court Referee Assignment Clerk is hereby designated as the Mediation Clerk.

2. Mediator Selection

Pursuant to MCR 2.403(D)(2), the Court hereby adopts the following procedure for selecting mediators:

1. Mediators shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
   1. Member in good standing of State Bar of Michigan.
   2. Having been licensed to practice law for at least five (5) years.
   3. Actual jury and non-jury experience as counsel of record in the Circuit Court of the State of Michigan. 
2. Mediators in divorce cases shall meet these qualifications:
   1. Member in good standing  of the State Bar of Michigan.
   2. Having been licensed to practice law for at least three (3) years.
   3. Having handled at least five (5) cases to final judgment where property was in issue.
3. The Mediation Clerk shall maintain a list of mediators who meet the above qualifications and have indicated a willingness to serve. Copies of the list of mediators shall be retained by and shall be available at the office of the Mediation Clerk.
4. In all cases submitted to mediation, the Mediation Clerk shall select the mediation panels from the above described list of available mediators.
5. In mediations under MCL 600.4901-600.4923, MSA 27A.4901-27A.4923 the parties shall comply with the requirements of MCR 2.403 regarding the designation of health care professionals. 
6. The Mediation Clerk shall schedule all mediation hearings and provide the required notice as contemplated by MCR 2.403(6).
7. Objections to the mediation panels selected and requests for adjournments must be directed to the Court in a motion which complies with MCR 2.119 and 2.503.
8. The mediation panel in divorce cases may consist of one mediator only, that being the Friend of the Court Referee. The $75.00 mediation fee shall not apply to cases mediated by the Friend of the Court Referee.

3. Mediation Forms

All notices, orders and other forms used in connection with mediation in this Court shall be approved by the Court.

Find the fully executed version here.