(a) When the parties to a divorce action have minor children residing with one (1) or both parents, the court, prior to or after entering a decree of divorce, may require the parties to:
(1) Complete at least two (2) hours of classes concerning parenting issues faced by divorced parents; or
(2) Submit to mediation in regard to addressing parenting, custody, and visitation issues.
(b) Each party shall be responsible for his or her cost of attending classes or mediation.
(c) The parties may:
(1) Choose a mediator from a list provided by the judge of those mediators who have met the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission's requirement guidelines for inclusion on a court-connected mediation roster; or
(2) Select a mediator not on the roster, if approved by the judge.
(d) A party may move to dispense with the referral to mediation for good cause shown.
Structure Arkansas Code
Subtitle 2 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 12 - Divorce and Annulment
Subchapter 3 - Actions for Divorce or Alimony
§ 9-12-301. Grounds for divorce
§ 9-12-302. Equitable proceedings
§ 9-12-303. Venue — Service of process
§ 9-12-304. Pleadings — Interrogatories
§ 9-12-305. No judgment pro confesso
§ 9-12-307. Matters that must be proved — Definition
§ 9-12-308. Effect of collusion, consent, or equal guilt of parties
§ 9-12-309. Maintenance and attorney's fees — Interest
§ 9-12-310. Waiting period before rendition of decree
§ 9-12-311. Legitimacy of children not affected
§ 9-12-312. Alimony — Child support — Bond — Method of payment — Definition
§ 9-12-313. Enforcement of separation agreements and decrees of court
§ 9-12-314. Modification of allowance for alimony and maintenance — Child support
§ 9-12-315. Division of property — Definition
§ 9-12-316. Property settlements
§ 9-12-317. Dissolution of estates by the entirety or survivorship
§ 9-12-318. Restoration of name
§ 9-12-319. Nonresident defendants — Warning orders — Entry of decree
§ 9-12-320. Proceedings subsequent to decree — Change of venue
§ 9-12-321. Annulment of decree of divorce
§ 9-12-322. Divorcing parents to attend parenting class
§ 9-12-323. Joint credit card accounts