08/01/2025
The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has approved the Rule on Family Mediation (Rule) in a resolution dated November 5, 2024 in A.M. No. 24-02-06-SC. This initiative aims to address the emerging need for family mediation, both domestic and international, enhance the efficiency of family courts, reduce court backlogs, and promote the best interests of the child. The Rule also introduces innovations in dealing with family cases.
The Rule describes family mediation as a process in which a mediator, acting as an impartial third party, facilitates the resolution of family disputes and helps the parties in reaching voluntary agreements.
Family mediation, a non-adversarial process, should include children and give them a chance to share their thoughts on issues that impact them. The process must focus on what is best for the child and the family.
The Rule is limited to suits between spouses; parents and children; other ascendants and descendants; siblings; relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity (by blood) or affinity (by marriage); and parties in a common-law, dating or sexual relationship, former or present.
The Rule took effect 15 calendar days after publication. It was published in a newspaper of general circulation on December 14, 2024.
Following the Rule’s approval, the Committee, together with the Philippine Judicial Academy, shall prepare for the Application, Training, and Accreditation of Family Mediators.
Read the full text of the Press Release: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-approves-rule-on-family-mediation/
Read the full text of the Resolution: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/24-02-06-sc-the-rule-on-family-mediation/
Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribution-policy/
