(a)(1) A farmer or other party has the right to be represented by an attorney at any mediation meeting or hearing.(2) A waiver of this right before any mediation meeting or hearing is ineffective.(b) At the initial mediation meeting and subsequent meetings, the mediator shall: (1) Listen to the farmer and the creditors desiring to be heard;(2) Attempt to mediate between the farmer and the creditors to reach a consensus where possible;(3) Advise the farmer and creditor as to the existence of available assistance programs;(4) Encourage the parties to adjust, refinance, or provide for the payment of the farmer's debts; and(5) Advise, counsel, and assist the farmer and creditors in attempting to arrive at an agreement for the future conduct of financial relations among the parties or to arrive at a settlement which may be stipulated to in court for the resolution to the court action.Acts 1989, No. 829, §§ 7, 9.
Arkansas Legal Code