1. Upon the written request of a grandparent denied visitation with a grandchild, the associate division of the circuit court may order mediation with any party who has custody or visitation rights with the minor child and appoint a mediator. Such written request need not follow the rules of civil procedure and need not be written or filed by an attorney.

2. As used in this section, “mediation” is the process by which a neutral mediator appointed by the court assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable voluntary and consensual agreement in the best interests of the child as to issues of child care and visitation. The role of the mediator is to aid the parties in identifying the issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring areas of common interest and finding points of agreement. An agreement reached by the parties shall be based on the decisions of the parties and not the decisions of the mediator. The agreement reached may resolve all or only some of the disputed issues.

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3. At any time after the third mediation session, either party may terminate mediation ordered pursuant to this section.

4. The costs of the mediation shall be paid by the grandparent requesting the mediation order.

5. The venue shall be in the county where the child resides.