(A) As an alternative to traditional litigation in the resolution of controversies, mediation provides a flexible, non-binding, expeditious, and expense-saving procedure in which a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates resolution. Part 21 establishes a confidential process of court-annexed mediation in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

(B) The mediator will assist the litigants in reaching reconciliation, agreement, or understanding among them. In this regard, the role of the mediator is to assist in identifying the issues, reducing misunderstandings, exploring and clarifying the parties’ interests and priorities, and identifying and exploring possible solutions that will satisfy the interests of all parties and resolve some or all of the issues in dispute. Any agreement reached by the parties is to be based on the autonomous decisions of the parties and a mediator may not impose his or her own judgment on the issues. Parties and their representatives are required to mediate in good faith, but are not compelled to reach any agreement. A person approved by the court to act as a mediator under this Rule will, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 99, have judicial immunity in the same manner and to the same extent as a judge.

[Dated July 29, 2013, effective August 1, 2013.]