(1) Scope.  The provisions of this rule shall apply only to proceedings in which the parties are ordered to participate in mediation under RSA 458:15-a.

          (2)  Fees. 

                    (a) Indigent cases.  In the event both parties are indigent, the mediator shall be paid a set fee of $300.00 for his or her services if one or more sessions occur.  The court may order each party to pay a proportional amount of said fee.  The fee shall be paid from the special fund established pursuant to RSA 458:17-b and repaid by the parties in accordance with RSA 458:17-e.

                     (b)  Other cases.  In cases that do not qualify as indigent, the fee shall be $60.00 per hour.  The fee shall be a charge against the parties in a proportional amount as the court may determine.

                     (c)  Missed sessions.  In indigent cases, if the parties, or either of them, fail to appear for the first session with the mediator, the mediator shall be paid $120.00 from the special fund in lieu of the $300.00 set fee.  In other than indigent cases, if the parties or either of them fail to appear for any session with the mediator, the mediator shall be paid $120.00 for the missed session.  The court may allot the responsibility for paying the mediator or reimbursing the state for fees for missed sessions between the parties, as justice requires.