Any issues about custody or visitation may be mediated before, during or after a hearing. In the case of sexual abuse of one of the parties or the children, the court does not require or refer the parties to mediation or any other process that requires parties to meet and confer without counsel, if any, present. [Minnesota Statutes; Chapters 518.619].

Mediation aims to reduce acrimony between the parents and builds agreement about the child's best interests. The mediator makes his or her best efforts to help resolve a custody or parenting time dispute but makes no court orders.

In 2010, Minnesota began it's Couples on the Brink project, which offers voluntary short-term coaching to help the husband and wife decide whether they really want to divorce. If a couple decides to rebuild the marriage rather than divorce, the project will help craft a reconciliation plan.

Parenting classes are mandatory for divorcing couples with children. The parents of a minor child must attend an eight-hour orientation and education program that meets the minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court. In all other proceedings (besides divorce) involving custody, support, or parenting time the court may order the parents of a minor child to attend a parent education program.