Section 12 — Family Proceedings Act 1980: Duty on counsellors

12 Duty on counsellors A counsellor to whom a matter is referred under section 9 or section 10 of this Act— (a) Shall explore the possibility of reconciliation between the spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners; and (b) If reconciliation does not appear to be possible, shall attempt to promote conciliation between the spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners. Paragraphs (a) and (b) were amended, as from 26 April 2005, by section 44(2) Civil Union Act 2004 (2004 No 102) by substituting the words “ spouses or civil union partners ” for the words “ husband and wife ” . Paragraphs (a) and (b) were amended, as from 1 July 2005, by section 149 Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90) by substituting the words “ , civil union partners, or de facto partners ” for the words “ or civil union partners ” .