Ch. 323

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

WHEREAS, Divorce produces negative consequences for children in areas such as
school performance, conduct, psychological adjustment, and social relations with others;
and

WHEREAS, Many parents are unaware of the effects of the conflict of divorces on
their children and are in need of parental education programs to help them facilitate
post-divorce adjustment for their children; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article — Family Law

7-103.2

(A) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO AN ACTION FOR DIVORCE IN WHICH ISSUES OF
CHILD SUPPORT, CUSTODY, OR VISITATION ARE RAISED.

(B) PRIOR TO GRANTING A DECREE OF DIVORCE, THE COURT SHALL MAY
REQUIRE ALL PARTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR THAT IS
DESIGNED TO EDUCATE PARENTS ABOUT THE EFFECTS, AND TO MINIMIZE THE
DISRUPTION, OF A DIVORCE ON THE LIVES OF CHILDREN.

(C) (1) THE COURT OF APPEALS SHALL ADOPT RULES TO IMPLEMENT THIS
SECTION.

(2) RULES ADOPTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SUBSECTION SHALL:

(I) PROVIDE FOR THE CONTENT OF THE SEMINAR REQUIRED
UNDER THIS SECTION;

(II) REQUIRE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE SEMINAR BY ALL
PARTIES TO THE ACTION WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME AFTER THE SERVICE OF THE
ORIGINAL COMPLAINT UPON THE DEFENDANT;

(III) ESTABLISH SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETE THE SEMINAR REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION;

(IV) FOR PURPOSES OF FUNDING THE COST OF THE SEMINAR,
ESTABLISH A FEE THAT:

1. SHALL BE ASSESSED AS COSTS; AND

2. MAY BE WAIVED UNDER APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES;

AND

(V) ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE
REQUIREMENT THAT THE PARTIES PARTICIPATE IN AN EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR,
EXCEPT THAT A COURT MAY NOT EXEMPT THE PARTIES FROM ATTENDING THE
EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR
CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT.

(D) THE SEMINAR REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION MAY BE PROVIDED
UNDER CONTRACT WITH A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCY.

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