This bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by updating Section 1035 to enhance the mediation process in domestic relations actions. It stipulates that a court cannot submit a contested issue to mediation unless it first conducts a hearing to determine the appropriateness of mediation, particularly in cases where a personal protection order has been issued or where one or both parties are involved in child abuse or neglect proceedings. However, mediation may still be ordered if the protected party requests it. Additionally, the bill mandates that mediators conduct reasonable inquiries into any history of coercive or violent relationships between the parties and implement screening protocols to ensure the safety of all participants during mediation.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "domestic relations action" to include grandparenting and great-grandparenting time, as well as clarifying the types of proceedings that are considered ancillary to domestic relations actions. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 4217.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.1035