                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

MEDIATION (§ 20-124.4)

A. In any appropriate case the court shall refer the parents or persons with a
legitimate interest to a dispute resolution orientation session to be conducted
by a mediator certified pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Judicial
Council at no cost and in accordance with the procedures set out in Chapter 20.2
(&#xA7; 8.01-576.4 et seq.) of Title 8.01. In assessing the appropriateness of a
referral, the court shall ascertain upon motion of a party whether there is a
history of family abuse. If an agreement is not reached on any issue through
further mediation as agreed to by the parties, prior to the return date set by
the court pursuant to &#xA7; 8.01-576.5, the court shall proceed with a hearing
on any unresolved issue, unless a continuance has been granted by the court.

B. The fee of the mediator shall be $100 per appointment mediated and shall be
paid by the Commonwealth from the funds appropriated for payment of appointments
made pursuant to subsection B of &#xA7; 16.1-267. Any referral that includes
both (i) custody or visitation and (ii) child or spousal support shall be
considered two separate appointments.

HISTORY: 1994, c. 769; 2000, c. 768; 2016, c. 507.