Can a judge deny a divorce and issue marriage counseling?

Yes, a judge can deny a divorce if one party contests it and the legal grounds for divorce are not met. In some cases, a judge may suggest or order marriage counseling in an attempt to facilitate reconciliation, especially if there are children involved or if the couple expresses a willingness to work on their relationship. However, the ability to mandate counseling or deny a divorce varies by jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. Ultimately, if one spouse insists on the divorce and meets legal requirements, the judge typically cannot prevent it.