HF2937

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate the use of parenting consultants in family court cases in Minnesota. It outlines the role, limitations, and legal framework governing these consultants, particularly in relation to custody and parenting time disputes.

Main Provisions

• Qualifications of Parenting Consultants: The bill requires that any person selected as a parenting consultant must meet specific qualifications. These include qualifications similar to those of a parenting time expeditor or a marriage and family therapist.

• Role of Parenting Consultants: The primary role of a parenting consultant is to assist and guide parties in resolving issues related to custody and parenting time court orders. They act as neutral third parties in resolving parenting conflicts.

• Limitations on Authority: Parenting consultants are prohibited from modifying custody orders or altering the percentage of parenting time awarded to either party.

• Discharge of Consultants: Either party involved in the dispute can discharge a parenting consultant by providing written notice. The court can also discharge a consultant if it finds that the consultant is not serving the best interest of the child.

• Voluntary Resolution of Disputes: The bill allows parties to voluntarily agree to submit their parenting time disputes to a neutral third party.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Non-Binding Decisions: Decisions made by parenting consultants are not binding on the parties involved or on the court in any subsequent actions under this chapter.

• Inadmissibility in Court: The determinations, evidence, evaluations, or recommendations made by parenting consultants are inadmissible in any court proceedings related to the parenting disputes.

Relevant Terms

• Parenting consultant
• Neutral third party
• Custody order
• Parenting time disputes
• Inadmissible evidence