These rules shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, inexpensive and collaborative resolution in every action to which they apply. These rules govern Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes in the courts of this State as follows:
(a) With the exceptions stated in Rule 3, these rules govern court-annexed ADR processes in South Carolina Circuit Courts in civil suits, and in South Carolina Family Courts in domestic relations actions:(1) in counties designated by the Supreme Court of South Carolina for mandatory ADR;1(2) as required by statute; or(3) as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.(b) With the exception of Rules 3, 4, 5, 6, 7(e) and (f), 9(b) and (d), and Rule 10(a), these rules shall govern ADR processes that are neither court mandated nor required by statute in all cases pending in the courts of this State. (c) These rules shall govern all mediations in Medical Malpractice actions as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 15-79-120 and S.C. Code Ann. § 15-79-125(C). Amended January 29, 2009, effective 4/29/2009; amended effective4/26/2016.1 See Supreme Court Order dated November 12, 2015.