§ 7 (1) If before the hearing of any evidence in proceedings on an application for an order under this Part a statement is made to the court by or on behalf of the civil partners showing a possibility of reconciliation between them, the court must adjourn the proceedings for such period as it thinks fit.
§ (2) If at any stage of the proceedings on an application for an order under this Part it appears to the court that there is a reasonable possibility of a reconciliation between the civil partners, the court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it thinks fit to enable attempts to be made to effect a reconciliation.
§ (3) If the court adjourns any proceedings under sub-paragraph (1) or (2), it may request that—
- (a) a suitably qualified person acting under arrangements made by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, or
- (b) any other person, willing and able to do so and acceptable to both parties, whom the court may appoint,
§ (4) If any such request is made, the person—
- (a) must report in writing to the court whether the attempt has been successful, but
- (b) must not include in the report any other information.
§ (5) The powers conferred by this paragraph are additional to any other power of the court to adjourn proceedings.