A bill that would require divorcing couples observe a waiting period and attend mediation received approval from the House Children and Family Affairs Committee according to Timesnews.net. This bill, sponsored by State Rep J. Thomas DuBois and billed as a money saver for divorcing couples, appears to be nothing more than a Trojan horse meant to deter couples from divorcing. I’m not entirely sure how DuBois figures making couples wait 30 days or 90 days (if children are involved) is going to save them money, especially considering a divorce last an average of 1 year (Divorcemag.com). When exactly did the people begin electing Matchmakers and divorce therapists?

Bill requiring mediation, waiting period for divorce advanced by House panel

Published 05/02/2007 By HANK HAYES

Legislation requiring a waiting period and mediation in Tennessee divorce proceedings won approval Wednesday from the House Children and Family Affairs Committee.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. J. Thomas DuBois, R-Columbia, calls for a 60-day waiting period if married couples have no children and a 90-day period if they have kids under 18 years old. The waiting periods would apply to divorces sought on any grounds and begin after the divorce court papers are filed.

“The whole idea is you would save people, hopefully, court costs and grief and a long-drawn-out hard-fought proceeding, but you would require them to sit down at a table and work things out first,” said state Rep. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, a bill co-sponsor presenting the legislation to the committee on DuBois’ behalf.

“Are you trying to deter people from getting divorces with this?” state Rep. Johnny Shaw, D-Bolivar, asked Kelsey.

Fathers of Tennessee, feel free to send Rep. Thomas DuBois an email asking him to work on getting divorced fathers equal access to their children if he’s so concerned about maintaining family bonds. And, feel free to send me your story to have it published in the Your Voice section.