Ala. Civil Ct. Med. R. 2
Parties to a civil action may engage in mediation by mutual consent at any time. The court in which an action is pending shall order mediation when one or more parties request mediation or it may order mediation upon its own motion. In all instances except where the request for mediation is made by only one party, the court may allocate the costs of mediation, except attorney fees, among the parties. In cases in which only one party requests mediation, the party requesting mediation shall pay the costs of mediation, except attorney fees, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Upon the entry of an order for mediation, the proceedings as to the dispute in mediation may be stayed for such time as set by the court in its order of mediation. Upon motion by any concerned party, the court may, for good cause shown, extend the time of the stay for such length of time as the court may deem appropriate.
Ala. Civil Ct. Med. R. 2
Committee Comment to Rule 2
Participation in the mediation process is strictly voluntary. Any party wishing to terminate the process may do so at any time pursuant to Rule 13. Pursuant to Rule 13, the mediation process is also terminated by expiration of the period of stay provided for by Rule 2.