1. If an agreement is reached between all parties, the mediator shall draft a written mediation agreement, have it signed by the parties, and submit the agreement to the farm mediation service.
2. a. The mediator shall issue a mediation release unless the other party desiring to initiate a civil proceeding to resolve the dispute fails to participate in at least one mediation meeting. The mediator shall issue a mediation release if the farm resident waives or fails to participate in at least one mediation meeting, regardless of participation by the other party. A party to a dispute may be represented by another person, if the person participates in mediation and has authority to discuss the dispute on behalf of the party being represented. This section does not require a party to reach an agreement. This section does not require a person to change a position, alter an activity which is a subject of the dispute, or restructure a contract in order to receive a mediation release.
b. The mediator shall promptly notify a party by certified mail of a denial to issue a mediation release and the reasons for the denial. The notice shall state that the party has seven days from the date that the notice is delivered to appeal the mediator's decision, pursuant to procedures adopted by the service. After a final decision by the farm mediation service, the party may seek an action for judicial review pursuant to section 654B.10.
3. The parties to the mediation agreement may enforce the mediation agreement as a legal contract. The agreement constitutes a mediation release.
4. If the parties waive mediation, or if a mediation agreement is not reached, the parties may sign a statement prepared by the mediator that mediation was waived or that the parties did not reach an agreement. If any party does not sign the statement, the mediator shall sign the statement. The statement constitutes a mediation release.
90 Acts, ch 1143, § 22; 90 Acts, ch 1199, § 10
Referred to in § 654B.1, 657.10
Iowa General Assembly
Search: Iowa Code 1997
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