When a court has determined that referral to an orientation session is appropriate, an order of referral to a neutral or to a dispute resolution program shall be entered and the parties shall be so notified as expeditiously as possible. The court shall excuse the parties from participation in an orientation session if, within fourteen days after entry of the order, a written statement signed by any party is filed with the court, stating that the dispute resolution process has been explained to the party and he objects to the referral.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 8.01-576.6

  • Court: means any juvenile and domestic relations district court, general district court, circuit court, or appellate court, and includes the judges and any intake specialist to whom the judge has delegated specific authority under this chapter. See Virginia Code 8.01-576.4
  • Dispute resolution program: means a program that offers dispute resolution services to the public, which is run by the Commonwealth or any private for-profit or not-for-profit organization, political subdivision, or public corporation, or a combination of these. See Virginia Code 8.01-576.4
  • Neutral: means an individual who is trained or experienced in conducting dispute resolution proceedings and in providing dispute resolution services. See Virginia Code 8.01-576.4
  • Orientation session: means a preliminary meeting during which the dispute resolution proceeding is explained to the parties and the parties and the neutral assess the case and decide whether to continue with a dispute resolution proceeding or adjudication. See Virginia Code 8.01-576.4
  • Process: includes subpoenas, the summons and complaint in a civil action, and process in statutory actions. See Virginia Code 1-237

1993, c. 905; 2002, c. 718.

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