§ 12-2452 — Additional court orders

A. Before an emancipation case proceeds, the court may stay the proceedings and:

1. Refer the parties to mediation.

2. If the court reasonably believes that the petition contains an allegation of child abuse or neglect, require the department of child safety to investigate the allegation and make a written report of the investigation to the court.

B. If the minor's parent or legal guardian objects to the petition for emancipation, the court shall stay the proceeding and refer the parties to mediation or alternative dispute resolution unless the court reasonably believes that mediation would not be in the best interest of the minor. The court may consider any of the following:

1. The minor's parent or legal guardian has been convicted of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

2. The minor's parent or legal guardian is named as a perpetrator of abuse, neglect or abandonment in the protective services central registry pursuant to section 8-804.

3. Any other information the court deems relevant.

C. If agreement is reached through mediation, the parties shall submit the signed mediation agreement to the court.