A set of new regulations mandating that couples in dispute must take part in a mediation process in an effort to come to a consensual agreement before appearing in front of a court of law or rabbinic court came into effect earlier this month in Israel.
The regulations aim to reduce the amount of litigation resulting from such cases, along with the acrimony and waste of money they tends to generate.
"In many cases, an agreement can be reached and the courts can be avoided, which will benefit the citizens and make it easier for the system to encourage all parties involved to make joint decisions," said Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked."We need to remember that parental disputes cause damage especially for the children, and that it is our duty to protect them."