Rule 1:40-1. Purpose, Goals
Complementary Dispute Resolution Programs (CDR) provided for by these rules are available in the Superior Court and Municipal Courts and constitute an integral part of the judicial process, intended to enhance its quality and efficacy. Attorneys have a responsibility to become familiar with available CDR programs and inform their clients of them.
Rule 1:40-2. Modes and Definitions of Complementary Dispute Resolution
Complementary Dispute Resolution Programs (CDR) conducted under judicial supervision in accordance with these rules, as well as guidelines and directives of the Supreme Court, and the persons who provide the services to these programs are as follows:
(a) "Adjudicative Processes" means and includes the following:(1) Arbitration: A process by which each party and/or its counsel presents its case to a neutral third party, who then renders a specific award.. The parties may stipulate in advance of the arbitration that the award shall be binding. If not so stipulated, the provisions of Rule 4:21 A-6 (Entry of Judgment; Trial De Novo) shall be applicable.(2) Settlement Proceedings: A process by which the parties appear before a neutral third party or neutral panel, who assists them in attempting to resolve their dispute by voluntary agreement.(3) Summary Jury Trial: A process by which the parties present summaries of their respective positions to a panel of jurors, which may then issue a non-binding advisory opinion as to liability, damages, or both.(b) "Evaluative Processes" means and includes the following:(1) Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE): A pre-discovery process by which the attorneys, in the presence of their respective clients, present their factual and legal contentions to a neutral evaluator, who then provides an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each position and, if settlement does not ensue, assists in narrowing the dispute and proposing discovery guidelines.(2) Neutral Fact Finding: A process by which a neutral third party, agreed upon by the parties, investigates and analyzes a dispute involving complex or technical issues, and who then makes non-binding findings and recommendations.(c) "Facilitative Process," which includes mediation, is a process by which a neutral third party facilitates communication between parties in an effort to promote settlement without imposition of the facilitator's own judgment regarding the issues in dispute.(d) "Hybrid Process" means and includes:(1) (A) Mediation-arbitration: A process by which, after an initial mediation, unresolved issues are then arbitrated.(1) (B) Arbitration-mediation: A process by which, after initial arbitration proceedings, but before the award is delivered, the parties are jointly given the opportunity to mediate a resolution. If successful, the mediated settlement is executed by the parties and the arbitration award is disregarded. If unsuccessful, the arbitration award is delivered to the parties. (2) Mini-trial: A process by which the parties present their legal and factual contentions to either a panel of representatives selected by each party, or a neutral third party, or both, in an effort to define the issues in dispute and to assist settlement negotiations. A neutral third party may issue an advisory opinion, which shall not, however, be binding, unless the parties have so stipulated in writing in advance.(e) "Other CDR Programs" means and includes any other method or technique of complementary dispute resolution permitted by guideline or directive of the Supreme Court.(f) "Neutral": A "neutral third party" is an individual who provides a CDR process. Neutral third parties serving as mediators must comply with the requirements of R. 1:40-12. Neutral third parties serving as other than mediators, that is, who are conducting Arbitrations, Settlement Proceedings, Summary Jury Trials, Early Neutral Evaluations, or Neutral Fact Finding processes, are not required to comply with the requirements of R. 1:40-12.(g) Roster Mediator; Non-Roster Mediator: A roster mediator is an individual included on any roster of mediators maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts or an Assignment Judge. A non-roster mediator is an individual who provides mediation, but is not listed on any roster of mediators maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts or an Assignment Judge. The parties may agree to use a roster mediator or a non-roster mediator.Rule 1:40-3. Organization and Management
(a) Vicinage Organization and Management. Pursuant to these rules and Supreme Court guidelines, the Assignment Judge of each vicinage shall have overall responsibility for CDR programs, including their development and oversight, continuing relations with the Bar to secure the effectiveness of these programs, and mechanisms to educate judges, attorneys, staff, and the public on the benefits of CDR. The Assignment Judge shall appoint a CDR coordinator to assist in the oversight, coordination and management of the vicinage CDR programs. The Assignment Judge shall maintain, pursuant to these rules, all required rosters of neutral third parties except the roster of statewide civil, general equity, and probate action mediators, which shall be maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts.(b) Statewide Organization and Management. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall have the responsibility (1) to promote uniformity and quality of CDR programs in all vicinages, (2) to monitor and evaluate vicinage CDR programs and assist CDR Coordinators in implementing them; (3) to serve as a clearinghouse for ideas, issues, and new trends relating to CDR, both in New Jersey and in other jurisdictions; (4) to develop CDR pilot projects to meet new needs; (5) to monitor training and continuing education programs for neutrals; and (6) to institutionalize relationships relating to CDR with the bar, universities, the Marie L. Garibaldi ADR Inn of Court, and private providers of CDR services. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall maintain the statewide roster of civil, general equity, and probate action mediators.Rule 1:40-4. Mediation-General Rules
(a) Referral to Mediation. Except as otherwise provided by these rules, a Superior Court or Municipal Court judge may require the parties to attend a mediation session at any time following the filing of a complaint.(b) Compensation and Payment of Mediators Serving in the Civil and Family Economic Mediation Programs. Parties The real parties in interest in Superior Court, except in the Special Civil Part, assigned to mediation pursuant to this rule shall equally share the fees and expenses of the mediator on an ongoing basis, subject to court review and allocation to create equity. Any fee or expense of the mediator shall be waived in cases, as to those parties exempt, pursuant to R. 1:13-2(a). Subject to the provisions of Guidelines 2 and 15 in Appendix XXVI, Guidelines for the Compensation of Mediators, if the parties select a mediator from the court's rosters of civil and family mediators, the parties may opt out of the mediation process after the mediator has expended two hours of service, which shall be allocated equally between preparation and the first mediation session, and which shall be at no cost to the parties. As provided in Guideline 7 in Appendix XXVI, fees for roster mediators after the first two free hours shall be at the mediator's market rate as set forth on the court's mediation roster. As provided in Guideline 4 in Appendix XXVI, if the parties select a non-roster mediator, that mediator may negotiate a fee and need not provide the first two hours of service free. When a mediator's fee has not been paid, collection shall be in accordance with Guideline 16 of Appendix XXVI. Specifically, the remedy for a family mediator to compel payment is either by an application, motion or order to show cause in the Family Part or by a separate collection action in the Special Civil Part (or in the Civil Part if the amount exceeds the jurisdictional limit of the Special Civil Part). The remedy for a civil mediator to compel payment is a separate collection action in the Special Civil Part ( or in the Civil Part if the amount exceeds the jurisdictional limit of the Special Civil Part). Any action to compel payment may be brought in the county in which the mediation order originated. The remedy for a party and/or counsel to seek compensation for costs and expenses related to a court-ordered mediation shall be in accordance with Guideline 1 7 of Appendix XXVI. (c) Evidentiary Privilege. A mediation communication is not subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any subsequent proceeding except as provided by the New Jersey Uniform Mediation Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:23C-1 to -13. A party may, however, establish the substance of the mediation communication in any such proceeding by independent evidence.(d) Confidentiality. Unless the participants in a mediation agree otherwise or to the extent disclosure is permitted by this rule, no party, mediator, or other participant in a mediation may disclose any mediation communication to anyone who was not a participant in the mediation. A mediator may disclose a mediation communication to prevent harm to others to the extent such mediation communication would be admissible in a court proceeding. A mediator has the duty to disclose to a proper authority information obtained at a mediation session if required by law or if the mediator has a reasonable belief that such disclosure will prevent a participant from committing a criminal or illegal act likely to result in death or serious bodily harm. No mediator may appear as counsel for any person in the same or any related matter. A lawyer representing a client at a mediation session shall be governed by the provisions of RPC 1.6.(e) Limitations on Service as a Mediator.(1) No one holding a public office or position or any candidate for a public office or position shall serve as a mediator in a matter directly or indirectly involving the governmental entity in which that individual serves or is seeking to serve.(2) The approval of the Assignment Judge is required for service as a mediator by any of the following: (A) police or other law enforcement officers employed by the State or any local unit of government; (B) employees of any court; or (C) government officials or employees whose duties involve regular contact with the court in which they serve. (3) The Assignment Judge and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall also have the discretion to request prior review and approval of the Supreme Court of prospective mediators whose employment or position appears to either the Assignment Judge or the Administrative Office of the Courts to require such review and approval.(f) Mediator Disclosure of Conflict of Interest.(1) Before accepting a mediation, a mediator shall:(A) make an inquiry that is reasonable under the circumstances to determine whether there are any known facts that a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the mediator, including a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the mediation or an existing or past relationship with a mediation party or foreseeable participant in the mediation; and(B) disclose any such known fact to the mediation parties as soon as is practicable before accepting a mediation.(2) If a mediator learns any fact described in subparagraph (f)(1)(A) after accepting a mediation, the mediator shall disclose it as soon as is practicable.(3) After entry of the order of referral to mediation, if the court is advised by the mediator, counsel, or one of the parties that a conflict of interest exists, the parties shall have the opportunity to select a replacement mediator from the roster or the court may appoint one. An amended order of referral shall then be prepared and provided to the parties. All data shall be entered into the appropriate Judiciary case management system.(g) Conduct of Mediation Proceedings. Mediation proceedings shall commence with an opening statement by the mediator describing the purpose and procedures of the process. Mediators may require the participation of persons with negotiating authority. An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to and participate in a mediation. A waiver of representation or participation given before the mediation may be rescinded. Non-party participants shall be permitted to attend and participate in the mediation only with the consent of the parties and the mediator. Multiple sessions may be scheduled. Attorneys and parties have an obligation to participate in the mediation process in good faith and with a sense of urgency in accordance with program guidelines.(h) Termination of Mediation.(1) The mediator or a party may adjourn or terminate the session if (A) a party challenges the impartiality of the mediator, (B) a party continuously resists the mediation process or the mediator, (C) there is a failure of communication that seriously impedes effective discussion, or (D) the mediator believes a party is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.(2) The mediator shall terminate the session if (A) there is an imbalance of power between the parties that the mediator cannot overcome, (B) there is abusive behavior that the mediator cannot control, or (C) the mediator believes continued mediation is inappropriate or inadvisable for any reason.(i) Final Disposition. If the mediation results in the parties' total or partial agreement, said agreement must be reduced to writing, signed by each party, and furnished to each party. The agreement need not be filed with the court, but both roster and non-roster mediators shall report the status of the matter to the court by submission of the Completion of Mediation form. If an agreement is not reached, the matter shall be referred back to court for formal disposition.Rule 1:40-5. Mediation in Family Part Matters
(a)Mediation of Custody and Parenting Time Actions(1)Screening and Referral. All complaints or motions involving a custody or parenting time issue shall be screened to determine whether the issue is genuine and substantial, and if such a determination is made, the matter shall be referred to mediation for resolution in the child's best interests. However, no matter shall be referred to mediation if there is in effect a preliminary or final order of domestic violence entered pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.). In matters involving domestic violence in which no order has been entered or in cases involving child abuse or sexual abuse, the custody or parenting time issues shall be referred to mediation provided that the issues of domestic violence, child abuse or sexual abuse shall not be mediated in the custody mediation process. The mediator or either party may petition the court for removal of the case from mediation based upon a determination of good cause.(2) Conduct of Mediation. In addition to the general requirements of Rule 1:40-4, the parties shall be required to attend a mediation orientation program and may be required to attend an initial mediation session. Mediation sessions shall be closed to the public. The mediator and the parties should consider whether it is appropriate to involve the child in the mediation process. The mediator or either party may terminate a mediation session in accordance with the provisions of Rule 1:40-4(h).(3) Mediator Not to Act as Evaluator. The mediator may not subsequently act as an evaluator for any court-ordered report nor make any recommendation to the court respecting custody and parenting time.(b) Mediation of Economic Aspects of Dissolution Actions.(1) Referral to ESP. The CDR program of each vicinage shall include a post- Early Settlement Panel (ESP) program for the mediation of the economic aspects of dissolution actions or for the conduct of a post-ESP alternate Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) event consistent with the provisions of this rule and R. 5:5-6. NO matter shall be referred to mediation if a temporary restraining order is in effect in the matter pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.) If a final restraining order is in effect, parties may participate in the Domestic Violence Economic Mediation program with the consent of the victim.(2) Designation of Mediator of Economic Aspects of Family Law Matters. The Administrative Director of the Courts, or the Administrative Director's designee, shall be responsible for reviewing and approving all mediator applications. Applicants must complete an application form posted on the Judiciary's Internet website www.njcourts.gov. Mediators who meet the training requirements set forth in this rule, and any other approved criteria developed by the Family Court Programs Subcommittee on the Committee on Complementary Dispute Resolution shall be added to the Roster of Approved Mediators. The roster shall be maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts and shall be posted on the Judiciary's Internet web site.(3)Exchange of Information. In mediation of economic aspects of Family actions, parties are required to provide accurate and complete information to the mediator and to each other, including but not limited to tax returns, Case Information Statements, and appraisal reports. The direct exchange of information between parties participating in the Domestic Violence Economic Mediation program is prohibited. The court may, in the Mediation Referral Order, stay discovery and set specific times for completion of mediation.(4) Timing of Referral. Parties shall be referred to economic mediation or other alternate CDR event following the unsuccessful attempt to resolve their issues through ESP. At the conclusion of the ESP process, parties shall be directed to confer with appropriate court staff to expedite the referral to economic mediation in accordance with the following procedures: A. Parties may conference with the judge or the judge's designee.B. Court staff shall explain the program to the parties and/or their attorneys.C. Parties shall be provided with the roster of approved mediators for selection. Only mediators who have been approved to conduct domestic violence economic mediation and have a domestic violence designation on the approved roster may be selected to mediate cases in which there is a final restraining order.D. After a mediator has been selected, court staff shall attempt immediate contact to secure the mediator's acceptance and the date of initial appointment. If court staff is unable to contact the mediator for confirmation, the order of referral shall state that the mediator and the date of initial appointment remain tentative until confirmation is secured. Staff will attempt to confirm within 24 hours and send an amended order to the parties and/or their attorneys.E. If a mediator notifies the court that he or she cannot take on any additional cases, court staff will so advise the parties at the time of selection so that an alternate mediator can be selected.F. The court shall enter an Economic Mediation Referral Order stating the name of the mediator, listing the financial documents to be shared between the parties and with the mediator, indicating the allocation of compensation by each party if mediation extends beyond the initial two hours, stating the court's expectation that the parties will mediate in good faith, defining the mediation time frame, and identifying the next court event and the date of that event. The direct exchange of information between parties participating in the Domestic Violence Economic Mediation program is prohibited.G. The referral order, signed by the judge, shall be provided to the parties before they leave the courthouse. Amended orders with confirmed appointments shall be faxed to the parties and/or their attorneys the next day, replacing the tentative orders.H. If the parties are unable to agree upon and select a mediator, the judge will appoint one. Staff shall then follow the above procedures as applicable.I. Referral to economic mediation shall be recorded in the Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS).(5)Adjournments. Adjournment of events in the mediation process shall be determined by the mediator after conferring with the parties and/or attorneys, provided that any such adjournment will not result in the case exceeding the return date to the court. If an adjournment would cause delay of the return date to the court, a written adjournment request must be made to the judge who has responsibility for the case or the judge's designee.Rule 1:40-6. Mediation of Civil, Probate, and General Equity Matters
The CDR program of each vicinage shall include mediation of civil, probate, and general equity matters, pursuant to rules and guidelines approved by the Supreme Court.
(a) Referral to Mediation. The court may, sua sponte and by written order, refer any civil, general equity, or probate action to mediation for an initial two hours, which shall include an organizational telephone conference, preparation by the mediator, and the first mediation session. In addition, the parties to an action may request an order of referral to mediation and may either select the mediator or request the court to designate a mediator from the court-approved roster.(b) Designation of Mediator. Within 14 days after entry of the mediation referral order, the parties may select a mediator, who may, but need not, be listed on the court's Roster of Civil Mediators. Lead plaintiff's counsel must in writing provide the CDR Point Person in the county, as well as the individual designated by the court in the mediation referral order, with the name of the selected mediator. If the parties do not timely select a mediator, the individual designated by the court in the mediation referral order shall serve. All roster and non-roster mediators, whether party-selected or court-designated, shall comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the mediation referral order.(c) Stay of Proceedings. The court may, in the mediation referral order, stay discovery for a specific or an indeterminate period.(d) Withdrawal and Removal from Mediation. A motion for removal from mediation shall be filed and served upon all parties within 10 days after the entry of the mediation referral order and shall be granted only for good cause. Any party may withdraw from mediation after the initial two hours provided for by paragraph (a) of this rule. The mediation may, however, continue with the consent of the mediator and the remaining parties if they determine that it may be productive even without participation by the withdrawing party.(e) Mediation Statement. The mediator shall fix a date following the telephonic conference for the exchange by the parties and service upon the mediator of a brief statement of facts and proposals for settlement not exceeding ten pages. At the discretion of the mediator, each party's statement of facts may be prepared and submitted to the mediator for review without service of the statement of facts on the other party. All documents prepared for mediation shall be confidential and subject to Rule 1:40-4(c) and (d).(f) Procedure Following Mediation. Promptly upon termination of the mediation process, the mediator shall report to the court in writing as to whether or not the action or any severable claim therein has been settled.(g) Compensation of Mediators. Mediators shall be compensated as provided by Rule 1:40-4(b) and Appendix XXVI ("Guidelines for the Compensation of Mediators Serving in the Civil Mediation Program").Rule 1:40-7. Complementary Dispute Resolution in the Special Civil Part
(a) Small Claims. Each vicinage shall provide a small claims settlement program in which (1) law clerks from all the divisions who have been trained in complementary dispute resolution settlement negotiation techniques pursuant to R. 1:40-12-(b)(6) 5 and other employees and volunteers who have been trained in complementary dispute . resolution settlement negotiation techniques and as mediators pursuant to R. 1:40-12(b)(l) 5 serve as trained settlors, not mediators, who help litigants settle their cases, and (2) cases that are not settled are tried on the same day, if possible. The training requirements apply to law clerks but not to other attorneys.(b) Tenancy Actions. If complementary dispute resolution programs are used for tenancy actions, cases that are not settled shall be tried on the same day, if possible.(c) Other Actions for Damages. For other Special Civil Part actions for damages each vicinage shall establish a settlement program that does not include arbitration in which there is one settlement event scheduled to occur on the trial date.Rule 1:40-8. Mediation of Minor Disputes in Municipal Court Actions
(a) Referral. A mediation notice may issue pursuant to R. 7:8-1 requiring the parties to appear at a mediation session to determine whether mediation pursuant to these rules is an appropriate method for resolving the minor dispute. No referral to mediation shall be made if the complaint involves (1) serious injury, (2) repeated acts of violence between the parties, (3) incidents involving thesame persons who are already parties to a Superior Court action between them, (4) matters arising under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.), (5) a violation of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code (Title 39), or (6) matters involving penalty enforcement actions.(b) Appointment of Mediators. A municipal court mediator shall be appointed by the Assignment Judge or a designee. The municipal mediator must comply with the requirements of R. 1:40-12. The Assignment Judge or a designee may, either sua sponte or on request of the municipal court judge, remove a mediator upon the determination that the individual is unable to perform the mediator's functions.Rule 1:40-9. Civil Arbitration
The CDR program of each vicinage shall include arbitration of civil actions in accordance with Rule 4:21 A-6.
Rule 1:40-10. Relaxation of Court Rules and Program Guidelines
These rules, and any program guidelines may be relaxed or modified by the court in its discretion if it determines that injustice or inequity would otherwise result. Factors to be considered in making that determination include but are not limited to (1) the incapacity of one or more parties to participate in the process, (2) the unwillingness of one or more parties to participate in good faith, (3) the previous participation by the parties in a CDR program involving the same issue, and (4) any factor warranting termination of the program pursuant to Rule 1:40-4(h).
Rule 1: 40-11. Non-Court Dispute Resolution
With the approval of the Assignment Judge or the Assignment Judge's designee, the court, while retaining jurisdiction, may refer a matter to a non-court administered dispute resolution process on the condition that any such mediation process will be subject to the privilege and confidentiality provisions of Rule 1:40-4(c) and (d). The Assignment Judge or designee may approve such referral upon the finding that it will not prejudice the interests of the parties.
Rule 1:40-12. Mediators and Arbitrators in Court-Annexed Programs
(a) Mediator Qualifications.(1) Generally. Unless otherwise specified by these rules, no special occupational status or educational degree is required for mediator service and mediation training. An applicant for listing on a roster of mediators maintained by either the Administrative Office of the Courts or the Assignment Judge shall, however, certify to good professional standing. An applicant whose professional license has been revoked shall not be placed on the roster, or if already on the roster shall be removed therefrom.(2) Custody and Parenting Time Mediators. The Assignment Judge, upon recommendation of the Presiding Judge of the Family Part, may approve persons or agencies to provide mediation services in custody and parenting time disputes if the mediator meets the following minimum qualifications: (A) a graduate degree or certification of advanced training in a behavioral or social science; (B) training in mediation techniques and practice as prescribed by these rules; and (C) supervised clinical experience in mediation, preferably with families. In the discretion of the Assignment Judge relevant experience may be substituted for either a graduate degree or certification, or clinical experience, or both.(3) Civil, General Equity, and Probate Action Roster Mediators. Mediator applicants to be on the roster for civil, general equity, and probate actions shall have at least: (A) a bachelor's degree; (B) five years of professional experience in the field of their expertise in which they will mediate; (C) completed the required mediation training as defined in subparagraph (b)(5) within the last five years; and (D) except for retired or former New Jersey Supreme Court justices, Superior Court judges, retired Administrative Law judges, retired or former federal court judges, and retired judges from other states who presided over a court of general jurisdiction or appellate court, evidence of completed mediation of a minimum of two civil, general equity or probate cases within the last year. Applicants who had the required training over five years prior to their application to the roster must complete the six-hour family or civil supplemental mediation course as defined in subparagraph (b)(8) of this rule.(4) Special Civil Part Mediators/Settlors. In addition to mediators on the civil roster, those judicial law clerks, who have been trained in complementary dispute resolution (CDR) settlement techniques pursuant to R. 1:40-12(b)(6), court staff and volunteers who have completed the 18-hour course of mediation training approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts may mediate/settle Small Claims actions. In the discretion of the Assignment Judge, such persons may also mediate/settle landlord-tenant disputes and other Special Civil Part actions, provided that they complete additional substantive and procedural training in landlord-tenant law of at least three and one-half hours for law clerks and attorneys and at least seven hours for all others, with such training to be approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts.(5) Municipal Court Mediators. Individuals may serve as volunteer mediators in municipal court mediation programs. To serve as municipal court mediators and volunteer their time, effort and skill to mediate minor disputes in municipal court actions, such individuals (A) must be approved by the Assignment Judge or designee in the vicinage in which they intend to serve, (B) must meet the basic dispute resolution training required bv R. 1:40 - 12(b)(l), and (C) must have satisfied any continuing training requirements under R. l:40- 12(b)(2). (6) Family Part Economic Mediators. To be listed on the approved roster, mediators of economic issues in family disputes shall meet the applicable requirements set forth below for attorneys and non-attorneys and shall complete the required training set forth in paragraph (b) of this Rule: (i) Attorneys (a) Juris Doctor (or equivalent law degree)(b) Admission to the bar for at least seven years(c) Licensed to practice law in the state of New Jersey(d) Practice substantially devoted to matrimonial law(ii) Non-Attorneys (a) Advanced degree in psychology, psychiatry, social work, business, finance, or accounting, or a CPA or other relevant advanced degree deemed appropriate by the credentials committee,(b) At least seven years of experience in the field of expertise, and(c) Licensed in New Jersey if required in the field of expertise(iii) Any retired Superior Court judge with experience in handling dissolution matters.(b)Mediator Training Requirements(1)General Provisions. All persons serving as mediators shall have completed the basic dispute resolution training course as prescribed by these rules and approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Volunteer mediators in the Special Civil Part and Municipal Court mediators shall have completed 18 hours of basic mediation skills complying with the requirements of subparagraph (b)(3) of this rule. Mediators on the civil, general equity, and probate roster of the Superior Court shall have completed 40 hours of basic mediation skills complying with the requirements of subparagraph (b)(5) of this rule and shall be mentored in at least two cases in the Law Division-Civil Part or Chancery Division-General Equity or Probate Part of the Superior Court for a minimum of five hours being mentored by an experienced a civil roster mentor mediator who has been approved in accordance with the "Guidelines for the Civil Mediation Mentoring Program" promulgated by the Administrative Office of the Courts Family Part mediators shall have completed a 40-hour training program complying with the requirements of subparagraph (b)(4) of this rule To mediate economic aspects of dissolution actions that have an active final restraining order between the parties, mediators must complete domestic violence mediation training as approved by the Administrative Director of the Courts. Unless otherwise exempted in this rule, Family Part mediators shall also have at least five hours being mentored by a family roster mentor mediator in at least two cases in the Family Part. In all cases it is the obligation of the mentor mediator to inform the litigants prior to mediation that a second mediator will be in attendance and why. If either party objects to the presence of the second mediator, the second mediator may not attend the mediation. In all cases, the mentor mediator conducts the mediation, while the second mediator observes. Mentored mediators are provided with the same protections as the primary mediator under the Uniform Mediation Act. Retired or former New Jersey Supreme Court justices and Superior Court judges, retired or former Administrative Law judges, retired or former federal court judges, and retired judges, from other states who presided over a court of general jurisdiction or appellate court, child welfare mediators and staff/law clerk mediators are exempted from the mentoring requirements except as required to do so for remedial reasons. Mediators already serving on the Civil mediator roster prior to September 1, 2015 are exempted from the updated training requirements. Family Roster mediators who wish to serve on the Civil Roster, must complete the six-hour supplemental Civil Mediation training and must comply with the Civil roster mentoring requirement of five hours and two cases in the Civil Part. Judicial law clerks shall have successfully completed 12 classroom hours of basic mediation skills complying with the requirements of subparagraph (b)(6) of this rule.(2)Continuing Training. Commencing in the year following admission to one of the court's mediator rosters, all mediators shall annually attend four hours of continuing education and shall file with the Administrative Office of the Courts or the Assignment Judge, as appropriate, an annual certification of compliance. To meet the requirement, this continuing education shall include instruction in ethical issues associated with mediation practice, program guidelines and/or case management and should cover at least one of the following: (A) case management skills; and (B) mediation and negotiation concepts and skills. (3)Mediation Course Content-Basic Skills. The 18-hour course in basic mediation skills and complementary dispute resolution (CDR) settlement techniques, shall, by lectures, demonstrations, exercises and role plays, teach the skills necessary for mediation practice, including but not limited to conflict management, communication and negotiation skills, the mediation process, and addressing problems encountered in mediation and other CDR resolution processes.(4)Mediation Course Content-Family Part Actions. The 40-hour course for family action mediators shall include basic mediation skills as well as at least 22 hours of specialized family mediation training, which should cover family and child development, family law, dissolution procedures, family finances, and community resources. Specialized domestic violence training for economic mediators shall address topics including, but not limited to, power and control, progression of abuse, cycle of violence, and issues relating to victims and perpetrators. In special circumstances and at the request of the Assignment Judge, the Administrative Office of the Courts may temporarily approve for a one-year period an applicant who has not yet completed the specialized family mediation training, provided the applicant has at least three years of experience as a mediator or a combination of mediation experience and service in the Family Part, has co-mediated in a CDR program with an experienced family mediator, and certifies to the intention to complete the specialized training within one year following the temporary approval. Economic mediators in family disputes shall have completed 40 hours of training in family mediation in accordance with this rule.(5)Mediation Course Content - Civil, General Equity, and Probate Actions. The 40-hour course for civil, general equity and probate action mediators shall include basic and advanced mediation skills as well as specialized civil mediation training as approved by the Administrative Director of the Courts.(6)Training Requirements for Judicial Law Clerks. Judicial law clerks serving as third-party neutral settlors, shall first have completed a Law Clerk Settlement Negotiation Training course prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts.(7)Co-mediation; mentoring; training evaluation. In order to reinforce mediator training, the vicinage CDR coordinator shall, insofar as practical and for a reasonable period following initial training, assign any new mediator who is either an employee or a volunteer to co-mediate with an experienced mediator and shall assign an experienced mediator to mentor a new mediator. Using evaluation forms prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the vicinage CDR coordinator shall also evaluate the training needs of each new mediator during the first year of the mediator's qualifications and shall periodically assess the training needs of all mediators.(8)Mediation Course Content-Supplemental Mediation Training for Civil and Family Mediators. Applicants to the roster who have been trained in a 40-hour out-of-state mediation training or who took the 40-hour New Jersey mediation training more than five years prior to applying to the roster, and who otherwise qualify under this rule, must further attend six hours of supplemental training. The six hours of supplemental training shall consist of attending the four-hour continuing training set forth in subsection (b)(2) of this rule, and two additional hours, which may be offered as a remote live training. The combined trainings shall be completed within one year. There shall be two distinct supplemental courses, one for family mediators and one for civil mediators, which shall be approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The combined courses shall include, but are not limited to, training in facilitative methods, training on how to conduct mediation in a virtual setting, case management techniques, procedural requirements for an enforceable mediated settlement, NJ Rules and, the Standards of Conduct for Mediators in Court-Connected Programs, Guidelines for Mediator Compensation (see Appendix XXVI to these Rules), the Uniform Mediation Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:23C-1 to -13), and mediation case law.(c)Arbitrator Qualification and Training. Arbitrators serving in judicial arbitration programs shall have the minimum qualifications prescribed by Rule 4:21 A-2. All arbitrators shall attend initial training of at least three hours and continuing training every two years of at least two hours in courses approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts. (1)New Arbitrators. After attending the initial training, a new arbitrator shall attend continuing training after two years. Thereafter, an arbitrator shall attend continuing training every four years.(2)Roster Arbitrators. Arbitrators who have already attended the initial training and at least one continuing training shall attend continuing training every four years. (3)Arbitration Course Content - Initial Training. The three-hour course shall teach the skills necessary for arbitration, including applicable statutes, court rules and administrative directives and policies, the standards of conduct, applicable uniform procedures as reflected in the approved procedures manual and other relevant information.(4)Arbitration Course Content - Continuing Training. The two-hour continuing training course should cover at least one of the following: (a) reinforcing and enhancing relevant arbitration skills and procedures, (b) ethical issues associated with arbitration, or (c) other matters related to court-annexed arbitration as recommended by the Arbitration Advisory Committee.(d)Training Program Evaluation. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall conduct periodic assessments and evaluations of the CDR training programs to ensure their continued effectiveness and to identify any needed improvements.Note: Adopted July 14, 1992 as Rule 1:40-10 to be effective 9/1/1992; caption amended, former text redesignated as paragraphs (a) and (b), paragraphs (a)3.1 and (b)4.l amended June 28, 1996 to be effective 9/1/1996; redesignated as Rule 1:40-12, caption amended and first sentence deleted, paragraph (a)l.1 amended and redesignated as paragraph (a)(l), paragraph (a)2.l amended and redesignated as paragraph (a)(2), paragraph (a)2.2 amended and redesignated as paragraph (b)(5), new paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) adopted, paragraph (a)3.1 redesignated as paragraph (a)(5), paragraph (a)3.2 amended and incorporated in paragraph (b)(l), paragraph (a)4.1 amended and redesignated as paragraph (b)(6), paragraph (b) 1.1 amended and redesignated as paragraph (b )(1), paragraphs (b)2.1 and (b)3.1 amended and redesignated as paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3), paragraph (b)4.1 redesignated as paragraph (b)(4) with caption amended, paragraph (b)5 .1 amended and redesignated as paragraph (b)(7) with caption amended, new section (c) adopted, and paragraph (b)5.1(d) amended and redesignated as new section (d) with caption amended July 5, 2000 to be effective 9/5/2000; paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(1) amended July 12, 2002 to be effective 9/3/2002; paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(3), and (c) amended July 28, 2004 to be effective 9/1/2004; caption amended and paragraph (a)(4) caption and text amended June 15, 2007 to be effective 9/1/2007; new paragraph (a)( 6) caption and text adopted, paragraph (b)( 1) amended, paragraph (b)(2) deleted, paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) redesignated as paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3), paragraph (b)(5) amended and redesignated as paragraph (b)(4), and paragraphs (b)(6) and (b)(7) redesignated as paragraphs (b)(5) and (b)(6) July 16, 2009 to be effective 9/1/2009; subparagraphs (b)(2) and (b)(4) amended July 21, 2011 to be effective 9/1/2011; subparagraph (a)(3) caption and text amended, subparagraphs (a)(4), (a)(6), (b)(l), (b)(2) and (b)(4) amended, former subparagraph (b)(5) redesignated as subparagraph (b)(6), former subparagraph (b)(6) redesignated as subparagraph (b)(7), new subparagraphs (b)(5) and (b)(8) adopted July 27, 2015 to be effective 9/1/2015; subparagraphs (a)(3) text, (a)(5) caption and text, and (b)(l) text and paragraph(c) amended July 28, 2017 to be effective 9/1/2017; paragraph (c) amended July 31, 2020 to be effective 9/1/2020; subparagraphs (b)(1), (b)(3), (b)( 4),(b)(5), (b)(6), (b)(8), paragraph (c), and subparagraph (c)(3) amended July 30, 2021 to be effective 9/1/2021; subparagraphs (b)(1) and (b)(4) amended September 11, 2023 to be effective 10/1/2023.Rule 1:40-5: subparagraph (b)(2) amended April 5, 2022 to be effective immediately ; subparagraphs (b)(l), (b)(3), (b)(4)(C), and (b)(4)(F) amended September 11, 2023 to be effective10/1/2023.Rule 1:40-7: paragraph (a) text amended July 29, 2019 to be effective 9/1/2019.Rule 1:40-8: ; subparagraph (a)(3) deleted and subparagraphs (a)(4) through (a)(7') redesignated as subparagraphs (a)(3) through (a)(6)amended July 29, 2019 to be effective 9/1/2019.Rule 1:40-12: paragraph (a)(3) amended, paragraph (a)(4) caption and text amended, and paragraphs (bid), (b)(3). and (b)(6) amended July 29, 2019 to be effective 9/1/2019.