Sec. 8. Before the filing of an action for dissolution of marriage, annulment, separation, child support, or paternity, either spouse or both spouses may file in the domestic relations court a petition invoking the jurisdiction of the court for:
(1) the purpose of preserving the marriage by effecting a reconciliation between the parties; or
(2) the amicable settlement of the controversy between the spouses so as to avoid further litigation over the issue involved.