Rule 17-604 - Procedure for Approval(a)Application(1)Generally. An individual seeking designation to conduct mediation or settlement conference proceedings shall file an application with the Chief Judge of the orphans' court from which the individual is willing to accept referrals. The application shall be substantially in the form approved by the Chief Judge. An individual may apply for designation to conduct both mediations and settlement conferences but shall file a separate application for each. The Chief Judge may select a designee to accept and maintain the applications. Committee note: The Committee recommends that the Chief Judges of the orphans' courts attempt to develop a uniform application form that can be used throughout the State.
(2)Documentation. The application shall be accompanied by documentation that the applicant meets the requirements of Rule 17-603(a) or (b), as relevant, and may include documentation of the applicant's approval to conduct mediations or settlement conferences in other orphans' courts of the State.(b)Action on Application. After such investigation as the Chief Judge finds appropriate, the Chief Judge shall notify the applicant of the approval or disapproval of the application and the reasons for any disapproval.(c)Lists.(1)Generally. The Chief Judge shall maintain lists of individuals who have been approved for designation to conduct mediations or settlement conferences, which shall be available to the public and to the other orphans' courts of the State.(2)Removal. After notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the Chief Judge may remove an individual from a list for failure to maintain the required qualifications or for other good cause.Adopted April 9, 2018, eff. 7/1/2018.