Since 1996 there has been a court rule empowering, but not requiring, a sheriff or judge to refer family cases relating to parental rights and responsibilitiesiiiThe law of parental rights and responsibilities covers private disputes between parents about issues including who a child should live with (residence cases) and whether a parent who does not live with a child should have contact with that child – and, if so, under what arrangements (contact cases). to mediation at any stage of the court action where appropriate to do so.ivCourt of Session Rules, rule 49.23; Ordinary Cause Rules, rules 33.22 and 33A.22.