GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 1148
Committee Substitute Favorable 5/11/93

Short Title:  Divorce Education Program.	(Public)
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Sponsors:
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Referred to:  
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April 19, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR DIVORCING COUPLES WITH CHILDREN.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study the need for and the development of a program to educate and sensitize divorcing couples with children about the needs of their children during the separation and divorce process and after the divorce has been granted.  The Commission may address issues that bear on needs of children of divorcing and divorced parents and shall specifically address the following:
(1)	The components of such an educational program including the impact of divorce on children and the family relationship and the couple's financial responsibilities for the children;
(2)	The availability of the educational program to couples at various times throughout the separation and divorce process;
(3)	The availability of community resources for families affected by divorce; and
(4)	An administrative plan to implement the educational program including (a) whether the program should be offered statewide or as a pilot program in selected counties; (b) provisions to allow waiver of the program requirements by the court; (c) cost estimates for the program and estimates of fees to be charged attendees; and (d) other administrative matters necessary for program implementation.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission shall seek input from persons with expertise in assisting families through and after the divorce process in developing the educational program.
Sec. 3.  The Legislative Research Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the 1995 General Assembly and may make an interim report to the 1994 General Assembly.
Sec. 4.  This act is effective upon ratification.