Sec. 1. Whenever the court issues an order under this article, other than an ex parte order, the court shall determine whether the proceeding should be referred to mediation. In making this determination, the court shall consider:

(1) the ability of the parties to pay for the mediation services; and

(2) whether mediation is appropriate in helping the parties resolve their disputes.

As added by P.L.199-1997, SEC.1.