Bill Text: VA SB1019 | 2019 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Child custody, visitation, and support cases; referral to mediation for appropriate cases.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-01-24 - Stricken from Senate calendar (40-Y 0-N) [SB1019 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-SB1019-Comm_Sub.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §20-124.4 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§20-124.4. Mediation.
A. In any appropriate case, upon filing of an initial
petition or motion, the court shall may refer the parents or
persons with a legitimate interest to a dispute resolution orientation session
to be conducted by a mediator certified pursuant to guidelines promulgated by
the Judicial Council at no cost and in accordance with the procedures set out
in Chapter 20.2 (§8.01-576.4 et seq.) of Title 8.01. In assessing
During the orientation session, the mediator shall assess the
appropriateness of a the mediation referral, the court shall
ascertain upon motion of a party whether there is a history of family abuse.
If an agreement is not reached on any issue through further mediation as agreed
to by the parties, prior to the return date set by the court pursuant to
§8.01-576.5, the court shall proceed with a hearing on any unresolved issue,
unless a continuance has been granted by the court.
B. The fee of the mediator shall be $100 per appointment mediated and shall be paid by the Commonwealth from the funds appropriated for payment of appointments made pursuant to subsection B of §16.1-267. Any referral that includes both (i) custody or visitation and (ii) child or spousal support shall be considered two separate appointments.
