Bill > H1630

This bill adopts the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: - Defining terms related to family law arbitration, such as "arbitration agreement," "arbitrator," "child-related dispute," and "family law dispute." - Specifying the scope of the Act, which governs arbitration of family law disputes but does not authorize an arbitrator to grant a judgment of divorce or termination of parental rights. - Outlining the requirements for a valid arbitration agreement, including that it must be in writing and identify the family law disputes to be arbitrated. - Establishing procedures for initiating arbitration, selecting an arbitrator, and disclosing potential conflicts of interest. - Granting arbitrators certain powers, such as the ability to issue subpoenas and impose temporary orders. - Providing guidelines for the arbitration process, including the requirement that child-related disputes be supported by a statement of reasons. - Detailing the court's role in confirming, correcting, or vacating arbitration awards, with a focus on protecting the best interests of children. - Specifying that confirmed awards are enforceable as court judgments. - Granting immunity to arbitrators acting in their official capacity. The overall goal of the bill is to establish a standardized framework for family law arbitration in Massachusetts, balancing party autonomy with judicial oversight to safeguard the rights of parties and children involved.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1630