(A) At any time after thirty days from the service of summons or first publication of notice in an action for divorce, annulment, or legal separation, or at any time after the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage, the court of common pleas, upon its own motion or the motion of one of the parties, may order the parties to undergo conciliation for the period of time not exceeding ninety days as the court specifies, and, if children are involved in the proceeding, the court may order the parties to take part in family counseling during the course of the proceeding or for any reasonable period of time as directed by the court. An order requiring conciliation shall set forth the conciliation procedure and name the conciliator. The conciliation procedures may include without limitation referrals to the conciliation judge as provided in Chapter 3117. of the Revised Code, public or private marriage counselors, family service agencies, community health services, physicians, licensed psychologists, or clergymen. The court, in its order requiring the parties to undergo family counseling, may name the counselor and shall set forth the required type of counseling, the length of time for the counseling, and any other specific conditions required by it. The court shall direct and order the manner in which the costs of any conciliation procedures and of any family counseling are to be paid.

(B) No action for divorce, annulment, or legal separation, in which conciliation or family counseling has been ordered, shall be heard or decided until the conciliation or family counseling has concluded and been reported to the court.

Effective Date: 04-11-1991 .