Ohio § 3109.055

§ 3109.055.

(A) If a child is born to an unmarried woman and the father of the child has acknowledged

the child and that acknowledgment has become final pursuant to section 2151.232 , 3111.25 , or 3111.821 of the Revised Code or has been determined in an action under Chapter 3111. of the Revised Code to be

the father of the child, the court, upon its own motion or the motion of one of the

parties, may order the parents to undergo conciliation with a magistrate in order

to resolve any disputes regarding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities

between the parents in a case pending before the court.  An order requiring conciliation shall set forth the the name of the magistrate who

will serve as the conciliator and the manner in which the costs of any conciliation

procedures are to be paid. (B) A magistrate who serves as a conciliator shall use conciliation procedures to resolve

a dispute regarding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities and, upon

resolution of the dispute, issue an order regarding the allocation of parental rights

and responsibilities, parenting time, or companionship or visitation pursuant to section 2151.23 , 3109.04 , or 3109.12 of the Revised Code .  The conciliation procedures may include without limitation the use of family counselors

and service agencies, community health services, physicians, licensed psychologists,

or clergy.  If the magistrate orders the parties to undergo family counseling, the magistrate

shall name the counselor and set forth the required type of counseling, the length

of time for the counseling, and any other specific conditions.  No order regarding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, parenting

time, or companionship or visitation shall be issued until the conciliation has concluded

and been reported to the magistrate.