98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2013 and 2014
HB1018

 

Introduced , by Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
750 ILCS 5/404.2 new

    Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. In an action for dissolution or in a post-judgment proceeding involving minor children, authorizes the court to order the parties to participate in integrative family therapy. Defines "integrative family therapy" as a therapy model specifically aimed at high-conflict dissolution of marriage or post-judgment proceedings that involve custody or visitation where minor children have or are at risk for developing a pathological condition or pathological conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and personality disorders, in the absence of intervention. Provides that facts adduced at therapy sessions shall not be considered in adjudicating the action unless stipulated by the parties. Allows the court to assess fees as equitable.


LRB098 07347 HEP 37410 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB1018LRB098 07347 HEP 37410 b

1    AN ACT in relation to civil law.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of
5Marriage Act is amended by adding Section 404.2 as follows:
 
6    (750 ILCS 5/404.2 new)
7    Sec. 404.2. Integrative family therapy.
8    (a) In an action for dissolution of marriage involving
9minor children, or in a post-judgment proceeding involving
10minor children, the court may on its own motion order the
11parties, including the minor children, to participate in
12integrative family therapy upon a finding by the court that:
13(i) the parties' conflict is substantial or ongoing and related
14to custody or visitation; (ii) the minor children have or are
15at risk for developing a pathological condition or pathological
16conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety,
17and personality disorder, in the absence of intervention; and
18(iii) integrative family therapy would be in the best interests
19of the minor children. The parties, duration and frequency,
20therapist, and other conditions and specifications for
21integrative family therapy may be determined by the court.
22    "Integrative family therapy", as used in this Section, is a
23therapy model specifically aimed at high-conflict dissolution

 

 

HB1018- 2 -LRB098 07347 HEP 37410 b

1of marriage or post-judgment proceedings that involve custody
2or visitation where minor children have or are at risk for
3developing a pathological condition or pathological
4conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety,
5and personality disorders, in the absence of intervention.
6    (b) The facts adduced at any integrative family therapy
7session resulting from a referral under this Section shall not
8be considered in the adjudication of a pending or subsequent
9action, nor shall any report resulting from such a session
10become part of the record of the case unless the parties have
11stipulated in writing to the contrary.
12    (c) The fees or costs of integrative family therapy
13sessions under this Section shall be borne by the parties and
14may be assessed by the court as it deems equitable.