The Iowa Code 598.7 states “the district court may, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, order the parties to participate in mediation in any dissolution of marriage action or other domestic relations action.” This means the court, if it so desires, can require the parties to attempt mediation prior to proceeding to trial.

On request of either spouse or on its own, the court may order a 60-day counseling period called conciliation. If conciliation is ordered, the 90-day waiting period to grant a divorce starts when conciliation is completed. The conciliator may be a member of the clergy, a physician, public or private marriage counselor, or representatives from family service agencies or community mental health centers.

Such conciliation procedure may include, but is not limited to, referrals to the Domestic Relations Division of the Court, if established, public or private Marriage Counselors, Family Service Agencies, Community Health Centers, Physicians and Clergy. [Iowa Code 598.16 and 598.19].

Within 45 days of the commencement of the case, a course on children's needs is required for all parents when custody is at issue. [Iowa Code Annotated; Section 598.16 and 598.19A].