MEDIATION OF CONTESTED GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDING.

(a) Subject to Subsection (b), on the written agreement of the parties or on the court's own motion, the court may refer a contested guardianship proceeding to mediation.

(b) If the court refers to mediation a proceeding under Subsection (a) regarding the appointment of a guardian for a proposed ward:

(1) a determination of incapacity of the proposed ward may be an issue to be mediated, but the applicant for guardianship must still prove to the court that the proposed ward is an incapacitated person in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1101; and

(2) all parties to the proceeding shall evaluate during the mediation alternatives to guardianship and supports and services available to the proposed ward, including whether the supports and services and alternatives to guardianship would be feasible to avoid the need for appointment of a guardian.

(c) The cost of mediation shall be paid by the parties to the proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the parties are unable to pay the cost of mediation, the court may refer the parties to a local alternative dispute resolution center providing services as part of a system for resolution of disputes established under Section 152.002, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if a system has been established in the county, and the local center may waive mediation costs as appropriate.