(a) A party who is requesting a child custody mediation conference must file, after filing an appropriate complaint/petition, with the Prothonotary a "Request to Schedule Child Custody Mediation" form, along with the $100.00 filing fee, in accordance with F.C.R. 1915.3. The requesting party must also serve on the Administrative Office of Fayette County Courts a copy of the Request for Child Custody Mediation Conference, along with a copy of the receipt for the filing fee. The Administrative Office of Fayette County Courts shall refer the request form to Child Custody Services and a mediation conference shall be scheduled. All parties must attend this child custody mediation conference unless excused by the child custody mediator/hearing officer. Children shall not attend the conference, unless directed by the Court or directed by the Child Custody Mediator/Hearing Officer.(b) The child custody mediator/hearing officer shall conduct the conference as an informational and conciliatory proceeding. Upon the filing of any complaint, petition, or motion, relating to child custody, partial custody or visitation, the parties are required to attend at least one session of a child custody education program, the cost of which may be assessed against a party or parties, unless the court waives the requirement upon petition filed for good cause shown. A defaulting party may be subject to sanctions by the Court. The child custody mediator/hearing officer may require the parties to attend additional sessions of a child custody program and shall monitor attendance.(c) Attorneys and pro se litigants shall adhere to the custody instructions and shall specifically use the forms which accompany those instructions that are available in the Fayette County Law Library or on the website at www.co.fayette.pa.us/ChildCustody. Amended November 19, 2014, effective 1/12/2015. Amended April 2, 2015, effective 5/24/2015.