(1) In a domestic relations suit, where it appears on the face of one or more pleadings, appearances, petitions or motions, including any form of application for the setting aside, alteration or modification of an order or judgment, that custody, parenting time or visitation of a child is contested, the court may, when appropriate, refer the matter for mediation of the contested issues prior to or concurrent with the setting of the matter for hearing. The purpose of the mediation is to assist the parties in reaching a workable settlement of the contested issues instead of litigating those issues before the court. Unless the court provides for the mediation of financial issues under ORS § 107.755 (4), the mediator shall not consider issues of property division or spousal or child support, in connection with the mediation of a dispute concerning child custody, parenting time or visitation, or otherwise, without the written approval of both parties or their counsel.

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(2) The mediator shall report to the court and to counsel for the parties the outcome of the mediation at the conclusion of the mediation proceeding. The mediator shall report in writing to the court and to counsel for the parties any agreement reached by the parties as a result of the mediation, and the agreement shall be incorporated in a proposed order or judgment provision prepared for the court. If the parties do not reach an agreement, the mediator shall report only that fact to the court and to counsel for the parties, but shall not make a recommendation to the court without the written consent of the parties or their counsel. [1983 c.671 § 3; 1995 c.273 § 18; 1997 c.475 § 2; 1997 c.707 § 19; 1999 c.59 § 24; 2003 c.576 § 130]