Loading chat...
NY A03822
Bill
Status
1/30/2025
Primary Sponsor
David Weprin
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Requires custody, parenting, and support disputes to be assigned to a single judge who oversees all proceedings and promotes settlement between parents
-
Mandates judges to conduct initial conferences with parties to determine if disputes are suitable for mediation before proceeding to hearings or trials
-
Requires parents referred to mediation to attend a mediation information session, though they may decline further mediation services afterward
-
Establishes mediation proceedings as confidential with all communications privileged and inadmissible in court; mediators cannot be called as witnesses
-
Directs the chief administrator of the courts to establish a statewide advisory committee including domestic violence and alternative dispute resolution experts to develop mediator training requirements and protocols for identifying unsuitable cases
-
Requires each judicial district to provide mediation services on a private-pay fee schedule with free or low-cost options for indigent individuals
Legislative Description
Enacts the child custody reform act to provide uniform statewide standards for the litigation and mediation of child custody disputes; provides for an initial planning conference between the judge and all parties to attempt a settlement; provides for mediation unless the court finds mediation is inappropriate; requires the chief administrator of the courts to establish plans for the conduct of administration of the mediation and preparation of evaluation reports.
Last Action
referred to judiciary
1/7/2026