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In a landmark decision, the North Dakota Senate has passed a bill aimed at reforming the state's family law procedures. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1234, was introduced by Senator Jane Smith and has been hailed as a major step forward in ensuring fairness and efficiency in the family court system.One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a mandatory mediation process for couples going through divorce or custody disputes. This process aims to reduce the burden on the court system by encouraging couples to work out their differences outside of the courtroom. Under the new law, couples will be required to attend mediation sessions before their case can proceed to trial.In addition to the mediation requirement, the bill also includes changes to the way child support payments are calculated. The new formula takes into account both parents' incomes, as well as the amount of time each parent spends with the child. This more equitable approach is expected to result in fairer outcomes for children and parents alike.Furthermore, Senate Bill 1234 includes provisions aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence. The bill establishes guidelines for determining when a parent's history of abuse should impact custody and visitation decisions. This change is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of children in high-conflict situations.Overall, the passage of Senate Bill 1234 represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve North Dakota's family law system. The bill has received bipartisan support and is expected to have a positive impact on families across the state. Governor Sarah Johnson is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days, marking a new era of family law reform in North Dakota.