Mediation

(a) Cases to be Mediated. The judicial officer may order mediation sua sponte or at the request of any party. When so ordered, the following provisions of this local rule shall control. The Southern District of West Virginia also supports the voluntary use of alternative dispute resolution.

The parties are free to engage in mediation without court involvement so long as it does not interfere with court-ordered deadlines. Page 18 of 83 (b) Motion for Exception to Mandatory Mediation. An attorney or a pro se party may file a motion for leave not to engage in mediation. The presiding judicial officer may grant the motion for good cause shown.