HB 2587 Summary

• Amends dissolution of marriage requirements to add a new finding that if parties have minor children together, requirements of section 25-381.19 must be met before court can enter a decree of dissolution.

• Requires courts to transfer cases involving minor children to conciliation court for reconciliation proceedings and to include in preliminary injunction an order requiring parents to complete family counseling to preserve the family unit.

• Mandates conciliation court require parents to complete counseling from supreme court-approved behavioral health agencies (including faith-based options) and provide written information about family support services and benefits of traditional nuclear family structure.

• Requires courts to provide parents with statistical information regarding the positive effects of children being raised by both parents in a traditional nuclear family on childhood development.

• Exempts counseling requirements when documented evidence exists of spousal or child abuse by one parent.