2010 Pennsylvania Code
Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Chapter 39 - Mediation
3901 - Mediation programs.

                                CHAPTER 39
                                MEDIATION

     Sec.
     3901.  Mediation programs.
     3902.  Fees and costs.
     3903.  Review of programs.
     3904.  Existing programs.

        Enactment.  Chapter 39 was added April 4, 1996, P.L.58,
     No.20, effective immediately.
     § 3901.  Mediation programs.
        (a)  Establishment.--A court may establish a mediation
     program for actions brought under this part or Chapter 53
     (relating to custody).
        (b)  Issues subject to mediation.--When a program has been
     established pursuant to subsection (a), the court may order the
     parties to attend an orientation session to explain the
     mediation process. Thereafter, should the parties consent to
     mediation, the court may order them to mediate such issues as it
     may specify.
        (c)  Local rules.--
            (1)  The court shall adopt local rules for the
        administration of the mediation program to include rules
        regarding qualifications of mediators, confidentiality and
        any other matter deemed appropriate by the court.
            (2)  The court shall not order an orientation session or
        mediation in a case where either party or child of either
        party is or has been a subject of domestic violence or child
        abuse at any time during the pendency of an action under this
        part or within 24 months preceding the filing of any action
        under this part.
        (d)  Model guidelines.--The Supreme Court shall develop model
     guidelines for implementation of this section and shall consult
     with experts on mediation and domestic violence in this
     Commonwealth in the development thereof. The effective date of
     this chapter shall not be delayed by virtue of this subsection.