§ 9-12-322 — Divorcing parents to attend parenting class

(a) When the parties to a divorce action have minor children residing with one (1) or both parents, the court, prior to or after entering a decree of divorce, may require the parties to: (1) Complete at least two (2) hours of classes concerning parenting issues faced by divorced parents; or (2) Submit to mediation in regard to addressing parenting, custody, and visitation issues. (b) Each party shall be responsible for his or her cost of attending classes or mediation. (c) The parties may: (1) Choose a mediator from a list provided by the judge of those mediators who have met the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission's requirement guidelines for inclusion on a court-connected mediation roster; or (2) Select a mediator not on the roster, if approved by the judge. (d) A party may move to dispense with the referral to mediation for good cause shown.

Legislative History

Acts 1999, No. 704, § 1; 2001, No. 198, § 1