23-3501. Mediation; defined. Mediation under this section is the process by which a neutral mediator appointed by the court, or by a hearing officer, assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement as to issues of child custody, residency, visitation, parenting time, division of property or other issues. The role of the mediator is […]
23-3502. Same; when ordered; appointment and qualifications of mediator. (a) The court or hearing officer may order mediation of any contested issue of child custody, residency, visitation, parenting time, division of property or other issues, at any time, upon motion of a party or on the court’s own motion. (b) If the court or hearing […]
23-3503. Duties of mediator. (a) A mediator appointed under K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3502, and amendments thereto, shall: (1) Inform the parties of the costs of mediation; (2) advise the parties that the mediator does not represent either or both of the parties; (3) define and describe the process of mediation to the parties; (4) disclose […]
23-3504. Termination of mediation. (a) At any time after the second mediation session, either party may terminate mediation ordered under K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3502*. (b) The mediator shall terminate mediation whenever the mediator believes that: (1) Continuation of the process would harm or prejudice one or more of the parties or the children; or (2) […]
23-3505. Confidentiality. (a) A mediator appointed under K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3502, and amendments thereto, shall treat all verbal or written information transmitted between any party to a dispute and a mediator conducting the proceeding, or the staff of an approved program under K.S.A. 5-501 et seq., and amendments thereto, as confidential communications. No admission, representation […]
23-3506. Costs. The costs of any mediation ordered under K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3502* shall be taxed to either or both parties as equity and justice require, unless the parties have reached a reasonable agreement as to payment of the costs. History: L. 1985, ch. 147, § 7; July 1.
23-3507. Case management; process. Case management under this act is the process by which a neutral case manager appointed by the court, or by a hearing officer in a proceeding pursuant to K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3401, and amendments thereto, or through agreement by the parties, assists the parties by providing a procedure, other than mediation, […]
23-3508. Same; when ordered; appointment of case manager; qualifications. (a) The court may order case management, when appropriate, of any contested issue of child custody or parenting time at any time, upon the motion of a party or on the court’s own motion. A hearing officer in a proceeding pursuant to K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3401, […]
23-3509. Case manager; duties; withdrawal; reassignment; recommendations. (a) A case manager appointed under K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 23-3508, and amendments thereto, shall: (1) Meet with the parties, and other individuals deemed appropriate; (2) gather information necessary to assist the parties in reaching an agreement or making recommendations, including medical, psychological, education and court records, including child […]
23-3510. Counseling. (a) Family counseling. At any time prior or subsequent to the alteration of the parties’ marital status the court may order that any party or parties and any of their children be interviewed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist or other trained professional in family counseling, approved by the court, for the purpose of […]
