HI HB1962

Courts cannot require alleged domestic abuse victims to participate in mediation in contested parentage or divorce proceedings unless the victim authorizes it and a mediator trained in domestic abuse conducts it in a manner protecting victim safety.

Mediators must screen for domestic abuse occurrence before proceeding and cannot conduct mediation if abuse is alleged or apparent unless both protective conditions are met.

Parties may bring an attorney or other designated individual to accompany and participate in mediation, and any prior waiver of participation can be rescinded.

Amends existing divorce mediation statute (§580-41.5) to replace "spousal abuse" and "family violence" terminology with "domestic abuse" as defined in section 586-1.

Creates new section in Chapter 584A (parentage proceedings) establishing parallel domestic abuse mediation exemptions, effective July 1, 3000.