Text: SF02264 Text: SF02266 Text: SF02200 - SF02299 Text: SF Index Bills and Amendments: General Index Bill History: General Index
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PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 598.7A, Code Supplement 1995, is 1 2 amended to read as follows: 1 3 598.7ADISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGEDOMESTIC RELATIONS 1 4 PROCEEDING – MEDIATION. 1 5 In addition to the custody mediation provided pursuant to 1 6 section 598.41, unless the court determines that a history of 1 7 domestic abuse exists as specified in section 598.41, 1 8 subsection 3, paragraph "j", or unless the court determines 1 9 that direct physical harm or significant emotional harm to the 1 10 child, other children, or a parent is likely to result, or 1 11 unless the action involves a child support or medical support 1 12 obligation enforced by the child support recovery unit, on the 1 13 application of either party,or on the court's own motion, the 1 14 courtmay requireshall determine in each domestic relations 1 15 proceeding or modification of any order relating to those 1 16 proceedings whether the parties to the proceeding shall 1 17 participate in mediation to attempt to resolve differences 1 18 between the partiesrelative to the granting of a marriage1 19dissolution decree, if the court determines that mediation may1 20effectuate a resolution of the differenceswithout court 1 21 intervention. The court may order participation in mediation 1 22 at any time prior to the entering of a final order or the 1 23 granting of a final decree. 1 24 The costs of mediation shall be paid in full or in part by 1 25 the parties, as determined by the court and taxed as court 1 26 costs. 1 27 Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 598.19A MANDATORY COURSE – PARTIES 1 28 TO CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS. 1 29 1. The parties to any action which involves the issues of 1 30 child custody or visitation shall participate in a court- 1 31 approved course to educate and sensitize the parties to the 1 32 needs of any child or party during and subsequent to the 1 33 proceeding within forty-five days of the service of notice and 1 34 petition for the action or within forty-five days of the 1 35 service of notice and application for modification of an 2 1 order. Participation in the course may be waived or delayed 2 2 by the court for good cause including, but not limited to, a 2 3 default by any of the parties. Participation in the course is 2 4 not required if the proceeding involves termination of 2 5 parental rights of any of the parties. A final decree shall 2 6 not be granted or a final order shall not be entered until the 2 7 parties have complied with this section. 2 8 2. Each party shall be responsible for arranging for 2 9 participation in the course and for payment of the costs of 2 10 participation in the course. 2 11 3. Each party shall submit certification of completion of 2 12 the course to the court prior to the granting of a final 2 13 decree or the entry of an order. 2 14 4. Each judicial district shall certify approved courses 2 15 for parties required to participate in a course under this 2 16 section. Approved courses may include those provided by a 2 17 public or private entity. At a minimum and as appropriate, an 2 18 approved course shall include information relating to the 2 19 parents regarding divorce and its impact on the children and 2 20 family relationship, parenting skills for divorcing parents, 2 21 children's needs and coping techniques, and the financial 2 22 responsibilities of parents following divorce. 2 23 5. In addition to the provisions of this section relating 2 24 to the required participation in a court-approved course by 2 25 the parties to an action as described in subsection 1, the 2 26 court may require age-appropriate counseling for children who 2 27 are involved in a dissolution of marriage action. The 2 28 counseling may be provided by a public or private entity 2 29 approved by the court. The costs of the counseling shall be 2 30 taxed as court costs. 2 31 6. The supreme court may prescribe rules to implement this 2 32 section. 2 33 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. Section 2 of this Act takes 2 34 effect January 1, 1997. 2 35 SF 2265 3 1 pf/cc/26
Text: SF02264 Text: SF02266 Text: SF02200 - SF02299 Text: SF Index Bills and Amendments: General Index Bill History: General Index
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