Shusterman family law arbitration bill signed into law by Gov. Shapiro

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 24, 2024 | 1:27 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, said she is excited to announce that her legislation (H.B. 917) was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The bill saw unanimous, bipartisan support throughout the legislative process, from the House’s initial consideration of the bill last year to its consideration in the Senate and again with unanimous concurrence in the House.

House Bill 917 introduces the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, which provides families with a voluntary and private process for resolving legal disputes with the help of an arbitrator.

“Resolving family law disputes through court proceedings can be a bitter and financially ruinous process,” 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. This law will give families another option to settle disputes, which can be especially helpful in matters of domestic violence as arbitration can lead to quicker resolutions."

Shusterman said she was incredibly thankful of her co-sponsor, state Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, and her colleagues in both the House and Senate for their full support of the bill from its introduction so that it could be signed into law before the end of the legislative session.