MOSCOW, October 24 (RAPSI) – A bill extending the use of dispute mediation procedure has been submitted to the State Duma, according to the database of the parliament’s lower house.

Authors of the bill propose to introduce additional provisions related to laws regulating procedure of reaching a mediation settlement. The bill also changes the Family Code of Russia in order to provide a way of mediating common family disputes through the procedure. Among such disputes are problems with division of common property of spouses after divorce, settling alimony matters and choosing a place of residence for children in these cases.

The bill stipulates new requirements for mediators. These people must be over 25 years old, have no previous convictions, have a higher education and undergo a special training in mediation. Currently, mediation may be practiced by non-professionals as well.

According to the bill, mediation procedure should be excluded from the overall duration of case review by the court. It is noted that current law on mediation leads to clash between terms set for review of civil cases and postponing of said cases because of mediation procedure. Overall, the bill grants more time to settle disputes through mediation without affecting other legal procedures.