The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, specifically section 1035, to establish new guidelines for mediation 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. This restriction applies if a personal protection order has been issued or if one or both parties are involved in a child abuse or neglect proceeding, although 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 involved.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "domestic relations action" to include grandparenting or great-grandparenting time, alongside existing categories such as divorce, custody, and support proceedings. The mediator is also required to make reasonable efforts to screen for coercion or violence throughout the mediation process to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of all participants. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 4217.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.1035