Hawaii HB2071 exempts parties alleging domestic abuse from mediation in divorce, paternity, and custody proceedings.

Hawaii HB2071 amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to exempt parties alleging domestic abuse from mediation in contested divorce, paternity, and custody proceedings. The bill ensures that courts do not require such parties to participate in mediation against their wishes. If domestic abuse is alleged or a protective order is in effect, mediation can only proceed if authorized by the alleged victim and conducted by a mediator trained in domestic abuse. The bill also allows the alleged victim to bring a supporting person to mediation.

Hawaii HB2071 exempts parties alleging domestic abuse from mediation in divorce, paternity, and custody proceedings.

Hawaii HB2071 amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to exempt parties alleging domestic abuse from mediation in contested divorce, paternity, and custody proceedings. The bill ensures that courts do not require such parties to participate in mediation against their wishes. If domestic abuse is alleged or a protective order is in effect, mediation can only proceed if authorized by the alleged victim and conducted by a mediator trained in domestic abuse. The bill also allows the alleged victim to bring a supporting person to mediation.