Eminem Divorce Proceedings Referred to Mediator  9/20/06

Oscar-winning rapper Eminem's divorce proceedings with wife Kimberly Mathers have been referred to a mediator.

The couple attended an hour-long private hearing today (19SEP06) in Michigan and Macomb County Circuit Judge Antonio Vivano subsequently told reporters the case was being turned over to a mediator.

Lawyers for both parties say a date for mediation hasn't been set.

Opposing lawyers Harvey Hauer and Michael J Smith, who represent Eminem and his estranged wife respectively, said they hope the case will be settled amicably.

Mathers declined to make a comment on the way out of the courthouse and Eminem - real name Marshall Mathers - wasn't seen leaving the building.

Eminem filed for divorce on 5 April (06), 82 days after the couple remarried.

The rapper remarried Mathers in Rochester, Michigan, on 14 January (06) - one month after the couple announced they were getting back together.

Their first marriage lasted from 1999 until 2001.