MI HB4476

Courts must conduct a hearing to determine appropriateness of mediation before submitting contested issues in domestic relations actions, with limited exceptions.

Mediation is prohibited in cases where a personal protection order or restraining order has been issued, unless the protected party requests mediation.

Mediation is prohibited when either party is involved in a child abuse or neglect proceeding, unless a protected parent requests mediation.

Mediators must conduct reasonable inquiry into whether parties have a history of coercive or violent relationships and must screen throughout mediation for coercion or violence that would make mediation unsafe or impede voluntary resolution.

Applies to domestic relations actions including divorce, separate maintenance, paternity, custody, support, and related postjudgment proceedings; effective August 1, 2016.