Rule 9019-3 Assignment of Disputes to Mediation or Voluntary Arbitration.

  1. Stipulation of Parties.  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Court may refer a dispute pending before it to mediation and, upon consent of the parties, to arbitration.  During a mediation, the parties may stipulate to allow the mediator, if qualified as an arbitrator, to hear and arbitrate the dispute.
     
  2. Safeguards in Consent to Voluntary Arbitration.  Matters may proceed to voluntary arbitration by consent where
    1. Consent to arbitration is freely and knowingly obtained; and
       
    2. No party is prejudiced for refusing to participate in arbitration.