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In forceAmended2020 Revised Edition
Contents

Part 10A · Amicable Settlement of Disputes

139J. Mediation, counselling and family support programmes in other proceedings

Amended

Last amended by an amending law of 2022.

(1)

This section applies to a case where —

(a)

proceedings are brought under this Act; and

(b)

section 139I does not apply.

(2)

Without limiting any other power of the court, the court may, if it considers that doing so is in the interests of the parties and their children (if any) —

(a)

advise the parties or their children (or both) to attend mediation;

(b)

advise the parties or their children (or both) to attend counselling; or

(c)

advise all or any of the following persons to attend a family support programme:

(i)

the parties;

(ii)

their children (if any);

(iii)

any person falling within a prescribed class of persons.

(3)

Despite the provisions of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016, failure to comply with any advice under subsection (2) is not a contempt of court.

(4)

If any advice under subsection (2) (other than advice to a person mentioned in subsection (2)(c)(iii)) is not complied with, the court may —

(a)

stay the proceedings until the advice has been complied with;

(b)

order any party responsible for the non‑compliance to pay the costs of the proceedings; or

(c)

make any other order it sees fit.

Part 10B

Court’S Power to Set Aside and Prevent Dispositions Intended to Defeat Maintenance Claims or Other Orders in Matrimonial Proceedings

Part 10C

Replacement Because of Death

Part 11

Offences Against Women and Girls

Part 12

Miscellaneous

Schedules