The cost of the mediation is borne by the parties to the mediation session at the rate negotiated by counsel and the mediator, plus mileage expenses if the mediator is required to travel. The fee will be divided equally unless otherwise agreed by the parties. In the event any of the parties is proceeding in forma pauperis, or is unable to pay that party’s portion of the mediation fees and has applied for approval for payment of such fees from the Federal Practice Fund, that party may request that the chief judge approve the mediation fees in accordance with applicable local rules and the Plan for Administration of the Federal Practice Fund, unless the mediated settlement includes payment of that party’s mediation fee by another party.