Among the mediation training learning objectives is to identify individuals who are entitled to participate in the mediation conference as well as those non-parties who may need to be present, including legal parties as well as “parties in interest”, i.e. best friends, family members, lien holders, guardians ad litem, and pets. Okay, not really pets! Service animals yes [remember the the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990]. But pets – nahhh! Okay, maybe – depending on the circumstances. In any event, since pets are not permitted in the courtroom according to this article from the Associated Press reported at Law.com, do you think they should be allowed to “participate” in the mediation conference? [I actually had that happen once!]
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