Family Court mediation program rules OK'd

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Wednesday approved rules for a mandatory mediation program in the Clark County Family Courts, which was authorized by the 1997 Legislature.

Christina Chandler, assistant court director, said mediation will be required in all contested cases involving children over such issues as custody, visitation and holidays. The aim is to resolve the issues before they grow into major confrontations.

The mediation program has been in effect since September but Chandler said these rules give the judges the authority to order attorneys to send their clients to mediation before any major court action is started.

The husband and wife can select a private mediator or go through the court connected program. Fees through the court system will be on a sliding scale. The minimum for each party will be $50 and the maximum $200 for each side.

The rules set up the minimum qualification for mediators, which include a law degree or master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling or related behavioral science.

The Supreme Court also approved a rule for the Clark County district courts to permit the service of court papers by fax. District Judge Myron Leavitt, the chief judge in Clark County, said this was sought by the district attorney's office so they could notify lawyers for individuals who are targets of grand jury investigations.

archive