Divorce News

Tennessee Divorce Education And Mediation Program

Parents will be required to file with the court certificates of completion of the education program and evidence of a good faith attempt to mediate any dispute over the parenting plan.

The requirements of the legislation will apply to all cases involving the custody or support of minor children except Title IV-D cases. Mediation will not be required prior to a court hearing in cases where it is found that a parent has engaged in physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of emotional abuse of a child or a person living with the child.

The cost of education and mediation will be borne by the parties and will be based on ability to pay. The parties will be free to use any mediator, but if they are unable to agree, the courts will only appoint certified Rule 31 mediators.

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	Did You Know?
	In divorce actions, mediators often are involved in custody and visitation disputes. In some jurisdictions (particularly large urban areas), courts require mediation of custody and visitation disputes. The mother and father must talk with a court-appointed mediator to try to resolve the problem before putting their case before a judge. The mediator cannot force a resolution, but the parties can be told to try mediation before coming to court to ask a judge to decide the issue.