Can any party submit suggestions concerning the appointment of a mediator?
Yes, if a party sends a letter to the opposing party and to the Dispute Resolution Coordinator suggesting one or more mediators for consideration, and the Dispute Resolution Coordinator receives no response to the suggestion(s) from the opposing party, then the Dispute Resolution Coordinator usually appoints a mediator suggested by a party. However, if the opposing party objects to a suggested mediator, that mediator generally will not be appointed. To be eligible for appointment when not selected by the parties, the suggested mediator must be on the Commission’s list of mediators available for appointment, and must have agreed to travel to the county where the case is pending. Certain mediators are not on the Commission’s list because they do not accept the appointed rate, or otherwise set compensation terms that are different from the Commission’s terms. Those mediators may nevertheless be selected by the parties since a selected mediator may charge any amount that is agreed upon by
