Ohio Sup.R. 6.03

(A) General responsibilities

In order to provide a fair mediation process for parties, a mediator who mediates for a court

shall remain impartial and neutral and shall comply with all of the following:

(1) The “Core Values of Mediation,” as approved by the Supreme Court

Dispute Resolution Section in accordance with recommendations

established by the Commission on Dispute Resolution;

(2) The “Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators” adopted by the American

Bar Association, American Arbitration Association, and the Association for

Conflict Resolution;

(3) For mediation in domestic relations or juvenile courts, the “Model

Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation” adopted by the

Association for Family and Conciliation Courts;

(4) For mediation in juvenile courts of abuse, neglect, and dependency cases,

the “Guidelines for Child Protection Mediation” adopted by the Association

for Family and Conciliation Courts.

(B) Conflicts of interest

(1) A mediator shall avoid any actual or apparent conflicts of interest arising from any

relationship or activity, including but not limited to those of employment or

business or from professional or personal contacts with parties or others involved

in the dispute. A mediator shall avoid self-dealing or association from which the

mediator might directly or indirectly benefit, except from compensation for

services as a mediator.

(2) Upon becoming aware of any actual or apparent conflict of interest, a mediator shall

notify the parties as soon as practicable.

(3) The requirements of this rule are in addition to and do not supersede the

requirements of R.C. 2710.08. Wherever a conflict exists between this rule and

R.C. 2710.08, the statute shall control.

(C) Legal Advice

A mediator shall not offer legal advice.

(D) Satisfaction of training requirements

(1) A mediator shall meet the qualifications and comply with all training requirements

of Sup.R. 6.04 and local court rules governing mediators and mediation adopted

pursuant to Sup.R. 6.02.

(2) A mediator shall meet the qualifications for mediators for each court in which the

mediator serves and promptly advise the court of any grounds for disqualification

or any issues affecting the ability to serve.

(3) Upon request, a mediator shall provide a court from which the mediator receives

referrals documentation indicating compliance with all training and education

requirements so that the court may meet the requirements of Sup.R. 6.05(A)(1)(d).

The documentation shall include information detailing the date, location, contents,

credit hours, and sponsor of any relevant training.