Under this rule, the court shall refer to mediation any family action in which the court finds that either the custody of children or parenting time issues are a genuine and substantial issue. The rule outlines procedures for participating in custody evaluations during the mediation process, scheduling and extending time periods for mediation, and proceeding in the event that mediation is unsuccessful.
Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey Rule 5:8-1 - Custody of Children-Investigation Before Award
Supreme Court of New Jersey. Sep. 1, 2018https://njcourts.gov/attorneys/assets/rules/r5-8.pdf