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2016 SESSION
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 20-124.4 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 20-124.4. Mediation.
A. In any appropriate case the court shall refer the
parents or persons with a legitimate interest to a dispute resolution evaluation
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 (§ 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 §
8.01-576.5, the court shall proceed with a hearing on any unresolved issue,
unless a continuance has been granted by the court. The fee of a mediator
appointed in any custody, support or visitation case shall be $100 per
appointment and shall be paid by the Commonwealth from the funds appropriated
for payment of appointments made pursuant to subsection B of § 16.1-267.
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 § 16.1-267. Any referral that includes both (i) custody or visitation and (ii) child or spousal support shall be considered two separate appointments.