Shusterman & Davis family law arbitration bill heads to governor’s desk
Rep. Melissa Shusterman April 10, 2024 | 2:40 PM
HARRISBURG, April 10 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, and Tina Davis, D-Bucks, are excited to announce that H.B. 917 passed the state House of Representatives with full bipartisan support and sent it to the governor.
The bill has seen 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 today’s unanimous concurrence in the House.
House Bill 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.
“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."
“Going to family court can be expensive, emotionally draining, and time consuming,” Davis said. “This bill will give families another option to settle their disputes in the form of arbitration. This is especially helpful in matters of domestic violence as it will allow for a quicker resolution.”
Both Shusterman and Davis said they were extremely grateful to have the full support of their colleagues in both chambers and eagerly await Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature into law so families can start benefiting from their bill.
The bill now heads to Shapiro’s desk.