Courts may order parents to attempt to mediate a parenting plan in accordance with the provisions in the Parenting Act, Nebraska Revised. Statutes. 43-2920, et seq.

A mediator approved by the state court administrator conducts court-ordered mediation. Approved mediators are listed on the Nebraska Supreme Court website. The court may require parents to try mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution if a parenting plan has not been submitted by the time specified by court rule.

When the court finds “some reasonable possibility of reconciliation,” the case may be transferred to a conciliation court or family service agencies, or other persons or agencies determined by the court to be qualified to provide conciliation services. In no case shall the court order marriage counseling if requested of only one spouse. Official conciliation counselors are available in counties of over 250,000 persons. [Nebraska Statutes; Chapter 42, 360 and 808].

Each parent must attend an approved basic level class, which provides guidance to parents about the impact of divorce or separation on children, and provides information about mediation, parenting plans, and the legal process. Each parent may attend a separate class and file a certificate of attendance. The court may refer parents to a second level class if advisable. Participation in the class may be delayed or waived by the court for good cause.