Senate to consider divorce mediation bill

Divorcing couples around the state will soon be required to attend at least one mediation session if the Senate agrees with the House and approves HB4.

In House debate Wednesday, sponsor Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corinne, said the trial mediation program in the 3rd District Court has proven effective. His bill, at a cost of around $75,000, would move the program statewide.

Ferry said a study of the 3rd District program shows divorces move through the court system faster, with fewer problems, and both men and women agree that because of mediation even two years after the divorce they solve their continuing disagreements easier.

Children, too, adjust to divorce better because their parents attended mediation.

Rep. Lorie Fowlke, R-Orem, is a licensed mediator. She said many divorce arguments really aren't about legal issues but about emotion because the two parties are hurt and angry. And mediation helps.