Section 2101.163. Dispute resolution procedures in probate court

(A) A probate judge may establish by rule procedures for the resolution of disputes between parties to any civil action or proceeding that is within the jurisdiction of the probate court. Any procedures so adopted shall include, but are not limited to, mediation. If the probate judge establishes any procedures under this division, the probate judge may charge, in addition to the fees and costs authorized under section 2101.16 of the Revised Code, a reasonable fee, not to exceed fifteen dollars, that is to be collected on the filing of each action or proceeding and that is to be used to implement the procedures.

(B) The probate court shall pay to the county treasurer of the county in which the court is located all fees collected under division (A) of this section. The treasurer shall place the funds from the fees in a separate fund to be disbursed upon an order of the probate judge.

(C) If the probate judge determines that the amount of the moneys in the fund described in division (B) of this section is more than the amount that is sufficient to satisfy the purpose for which the additional fee described in division (A) of this section was imposed, the probate judge may declare a surplus in the fund and expend the surplus moneys for other appropriate judicial expenses of the probate court.

Effective Date: 04-08-2004