It does not say that the court can t order mediation of any issues between the parties once a protective order has been requested. To the contrary, the court could easily rule on the petition for a protective order and then order mediation to resolve the substantive issues of the divorce or other proceeding. If the mediation is voluntary, you and your spouse simply agree on who will pay what for it. If one party requests mandatory mediation, that party will pay for it. If the judge orders mediation, the judge can decide who is to pay for it.
Most mediators charge by the hour.
Most lawyers who are accustomed to charging a retainer for divorce are also likely to charge a retainer for mediation. Other professionals who provide mediation rarely charge a retainer. There is no restriction at present in Alabama on who can hold himself or herself out as a divorce mediator. The Alabama Office of Dispute Resolution maintains a list of mediators in each area who have completed the training and other requirements.