Section 7: Reconciliation

7. Reconciliation (1) On presentation of a petition, the Judge in Chambers shall inquire from the petitioner and from the respondent, if in attendance, and their counsel or attorney, whether an attempt has been made to effect a reconciliation of the parties. (2) (a) Where the Judge in Chambers is satisfied that proper efforts have been made to effect a reconciliation and the parties are unlikely to be reconciled, he shall order a statement to be drawn up— (i) showing that the petition has been presented; (ii) recording all that took place on the presentation of the petition; and (iii) directing that the petition be set down for further proceedings in accordance with section 8. (b) Where the Judge in Chambers is satisfied that no proper efforts have been made to effect a reconciliation or that the parties are likely to be reconciled, he shall give consideration to the possibility of reconciling the parties and, where appropriate, try to reconcile them or adjourn the proceedings for such period as he thinks fit not exceeding one month, with or without a direction that the parties seek help on the possibility of a reconciliation. (c) Where the parties cannot be reconciled under paragraph (b), the Judge in Chambers shall make the order provided under paragraph (a) (iii). [S. 7 amended by s. 3 (c) of Act 2 of 2011 w.e.f. 15 May 2011.] D17 – 3 [Issue 3] Divorce and Judicial Separation Act