(6) the relief sought.
(b) Either or both parties to the marriage may initiate the
proceeding.
(c) (Blank).
(d) The court may join additional parties necessary and proper for
the exercise of its authority under this Act.
(e) Contested trials shall be on a bifurcated basis with the issue of whether irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, as described in Section 401,
being tried first, regardless of whether that issue is contested or uncontested. Upon the court determining that irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,
the court may allow additional time for the
parties to settle
amicably the remaining issues before resuming the trial, or may
proceed immediately to trial on the
remaining issues. The court has the discretion to use the date of the trial or such other date as agreed upon by the parties, or ordered by the court within its discretion, for purposes of determining the value of assets or property. In cases where the requirements of Section 401 are uncontested and proved
as in cases of default, the trial on all other remaining issues shall proceed
immediately, if so ordered by the court or if the parties so stipulate. Except as provided in subsection (b) of Section 401, the court shall enter a judgment of dissolution of marriage, including an order dissolving the marriage, incorporation of a marital settlement agreement if applicable, and any other appropriate findings or orders, only at the conclusion of the case and not after hearing only the testimony as to whether irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
(f) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 99-90, eff. 1-1-16 .)
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