MN SF2973

Courts must provide an information sheet to parties at the first hearing or initial appearance in family law cases explaining alternative dispute resolution options.

The information sheet must cover how mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods work, that parties may choose which method to use, and that the court administrator can provide additional resources.

In cases where alternative dispute resolution is required under General Rules of Practice rule 310.01, the sheet must explain that parties have the choice to use mediation, arbitration, and other processes to resolve divorce or custody matters.

Each party present at the first hearing or initial appearance must receive a copy of the information sheet from the court.

The state court administrator shall prepare the standardized alternative dispute resolution information sheet for use by courts, effective August 1, 2016, for cases filed on or after that date.