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HF 2531

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/14/2012 04:44pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 02/27/2012
1st Engrossment Posted on 03/14/2012

Current Version - 1st Engrossment

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A bill for an act
relating to family law; requiring mediation to develop parenting plans; requiring
training; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 480.30, by adding a
subdivision; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 518.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 480.30, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:


new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Parenting plans. new text end

new text begin The Supreme Court's judicial education program must
include ongoing parenting plan training for district court judges.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [518.161] MEDIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) When parties file for a dissolution of marriage in which child custody matters
will be determined, the court shall send notice to the parties of the requirement for them to
attend two hours of mediation to develop a parenting plan. The notice must be included
with paperwork normally mailed to the parties by the court in regard to the initial hearing
or initial case management conference. The court shall also include a form that lists the
exceptions to the mediation requirement contained in paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (b) Parties are not required to comply with the mediation requirement if:
new text end

new text begin (1) one party has authorization from a court to proceed in forma pauperis or cannot
afford mediation. However, the other party may agree to pay for the total cost of mediation;
new text end

new text begin (2) section 518.179 applies;
new text end

new text begin (3) there has been a finding by a court that a parent has committed domestic abuse
against a parent or a child who is a party to, or subject of, the matter before the court;
new text end

new text begin (4) one party is concerned for his or her personal safety;
new text end

new text begin (5) the parties have agreed upon and submitted to the court a written parenting plan
or final agreement regarding custody and parenting time; or
new text end

new text begin (6) at the initial hearing or the initial case management conference, the court grants
the request of a party to be relieved of the mediation requirement.
new text end

new text begin (c) The two hours of mediation should be completed no later than 30 days from the
date of filing. The parties must submit verification to the court that they have completed
the mediation.
new text end

new text begin (d) The court must order the parties to participate in mediation before the court may
order the parties to participate in early neutral evaluation unless one of the exceptions
in paragraph (b) applies.
new text end