Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 1.6
The Chester County Orphans' Court Mediation Program ("Mediation Program") utilizes Court approved attorneys who have been trained as Orphans' Court mediators. All attorneys representing parties in Orphans' Court, and all unrepresented parties, are required hereby to make a good faith effort to consider utilizing the Mediation Program, or mediation through another program/person, before litigating any non-emergency matter in Court. All such attorneys shall discuss mediation with their clients at the beginning of their representation, and estimate the legal costs and likely duration of Court proceedings/appeals if mediation is not used. Information regarding the Mediation Program may be obtained from the Chester County Orphans' Court Administrator (address: 201 W. Market St., P.O. Box 2746, West Chester, PA 193800989; telephone: 610-344-6454) or the Clerk. For anticipated complex or lengthy litigation, the Court may order the parties to use the Mediation Program.
Mediation is intended to provide participants with an opportunity to achieve a prompt, fair, and confidential resolution of a matter in dispute. Mediation allows sensitive matters to be privately discussed and finally resolved, without resort to public hearings. It also avoids costly pre-hearing litigation, hearings and appeals.
Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 1.6