Article 4.18 Family and Personal Status Jurisdiction

(a) (1) The IC Court shall exercise jurisdiction over family and personal status matters within the scope of this Code.

(b) (2) For the avoidance of doubt, family and personal status matters include succession, inheritance, probate, estate administration, and related matters affecting the transmission of property upon death, subject to the Constitution of the Host Country and applicable mandatory law.

(c) (3) Matters under this Article shall be heard by a single judge designated by the Chief Justice.

(d) (4) In matters involving children, the IC Court shall treat the best interests of the child as a primary consideration and may adopt active procedural measures necessary to safeguard the child’s welfare and development.

(e) (5) Family disputes shall be subject to mandatory mediation prior to adjudication unless urgent protective measures are required or mediation is inappropriate.