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In a groundbreaking decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that mediation will now be mandatory for all divorce cases in the state starting in the new year. The move comes as part of an effort to reduce the backlog of cases in family courts and to promote amicable resolutions between separating couples.Under the new rules, couples seeking a divorce in New Jersey will be required to attend mediation sessions before proceeding to court. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps the couple reach a mutually acceptable agreement on issues such as child custody, support, and division of assets. The aim is to avoid costly and emotionally draining litigation.Chief Justice Jane Smith, who has long been a proponent of alternative dispute resolution methods, lauded the decision as a step in the right direction for family law in the state. "Mediation has been shown to be an effective tool in resolving disputes amicably and in a timely manner. We believe that making it mandatory will lead to better outcomes for families in New Jersey," she said in a statement.The decision has been met with mixed reactions from legal experts and family law practitioners. Some have welcomed the move, citing the benefits of mediation in reducing conflict and promoting cooperation between parties. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and coercion in the process.To address these concerns, the Supreme Court has outlined strict guidelines for mediators and established a certification process to ensure that only trained professionals are allowed to conduct mediation sessions. Additionally, couples will have the option to opt out of mediation in cases of domestic violence or other extenuating circumstances.Overall, the move towards mandatory mediation in divorce cases is seen as a positive development for the family court system in New Jersey. By encouraging couples to work together to find peaceful resolutions to their disputes, the hope is that fewer families will have to endure the stress and uncertainty of lengthy court battles.