Whenever any domestic relations suit is commenced in a circuit court exercising conciliation jurisdiction and providing conciliation services, the court may, in its discretion, exercise conciliation jurisdiction over the controversy and over the parties thereto and all persons having any relation to the controversy. If, within 45 days after the court commences to exercise conciliation jurisdiction, a reconciliation or a settlement of the controversy has not been effected, the domestic relations suit shall proceed as if the court had not exercised conciliation jurisdiction. [1963 c.434 § 4; 1971 c.280 § 26]