Local Rule LR1-601. Alternative dispute resolution.

[Related Statewide Rule 1-125 NMRA] A. Purpose and processes. A court-annexed alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) program may be established to achieve the early, fair, efficient, cost-effective, and informal resolution of lawsuits filed in the district. The court ADR program may provide a variety of processes, including but not limited to mediation, settlement conferences, and arbitration. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to discourage or prohibit parties from stipulating to private alternative dispute resolution or to prohibit the right to a trial by jury. The failure of ADR to produce a settlement will not adversely affect the parties’ treatment by the court. B. Written order required. All referrals to ADR require the filing of a written court order. C. Forms. Where available, applicable court forms shall be used. Forms shall be made available to the public on the court’s website and in the office of the clerk of the court. D. Referrals and objections. The court, in its sole discretion, may refer any case to ADR at any time, whether or not the parties agree. In addition, any party may file a request for referral to ADR at any time prior to sixty (60) days before a scheduled trial. A request for referral will be granted automatically. Parties who object to the referral may file a “Motion for Excusal from ADR” no later than fifteen (15) business days after entry of the order of referral.