§ 25-2913 Mediators; qualifications; compensation; powers and duties
25-2913. Mediators; qualifications; compensation; powers and duties
(1) Mediators of approved centers shall have completed at least thirty hours of training in conflict resolution techniques, neutrality, agreement writing, and ethics. For disputes involving marital dissolution, mediators of approved centers shall have an additional thirty hours in family mediation. An initial apprenticeship with an experienced mediator shall be required for at least three sessions for all mediators without prior mediation experience.
(2) An approved center may provide for the compensation of mediators or utilize the services of volunteer mediators or both.
(3) The mediator shall assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of their dispute through discussion and negotiation. The mediator shall be impartial, neutral, and unbiased and shall make no decisions for the parties.
(4) The mediator shall officially terminate the process if the parties are unable to agree or if, in the judgment of the mediator, the agreement would be unconscionable. The termination shall be without prejudice to either party in any other proceeding.
(5) The mediator has no authority to make or impose any adjudicatory sanction or penalty upon the parties.
(6) The mediator shall be aware of and recommend outside resources to the parties whenever appropriate. The mediator shall advise participants to obtain legal review of agreements as necessary.