Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Shusterman’s family law arbitration bill passes House

Shusterman’s family law arbitration bill passes House

H.B. 917 receives unanimous vote

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    May 22, 2023 | 5:34 PM

HARRISBURG, May 22 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is excited to announce that her House Bill 917 has passed out of the state House of Representatives with full bipartisan support.

H.B. 917 would introduce the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, which would provide families with a voluntary and private process for resolving disputes with the help of an arbitrator.

“Settling family law disputes in court can be acrimonious and financially devastating proceedings,” Shusterman said. “The partner with deeper pockets and access to the best legal counsel often has an advantage, frequently placing children in the middle of drawn-out legal battles."

While arbitration is commonly used in commercial contexts, Shusterman said that it has recently gained popularity in family law.

“I am extremely grateful to have the full support of my colleagues from both sides of the House,” Shusterman said. “I thank Representative Kate Klunk for championing this bipartisan legislation during the last House session. Families settling legal disputes already have a tough time. We can help take the sting out of those proceedings by providing families more options to come to the best resolution that works for them, and House Bill 917 does just that.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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