The Mediation

(a) Scheduling the Mediation. The mediator appointed to conduct the mediation, or the community mediation center to which the matter has been referred by the court for appointment of a mediator, shall be responsible for any scheduling that must be done prior to the mediation, any reporting required by these rules or local rules, and for maintaining any files that pertain to the mediation. (b) Where the Mediation Is to Be Held. Mediation shall be held in the courthouse or, if a suitable space is available, in the offices of a community mediation center, or at any other place agreed upon by the mediator and parties. 6 TOC Rule 4 (c) Extending the Deadline for Completion. The court may extend the deadline for completion of the mediation process upon its own motion or upon the suggestion of community mediation center staff. (d) Recesses. The mediator may recess the mediation at any time and may set times for reconvening. If the time for reconvening is set before the mediation is recessed, then no further notification is required for persons present at the mediation. In recessing a matter, the mediator shall consider whether the parties wish to continue the mediation and whether they are making progress toward resolving their dispute. (e) No Recording. There shall be no stenographic, audio, or video recording of the mediation process by any participant. This prohibition includes recording either surreptitiously or with the agreement of the parties. History Note. 373 N.C. 757.