Iowa House Bill HF667

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 2/28/25

Caption

A bill for an act creating the uniform family law arbitration Act.

Impact

Should HF667 pass, it would change how family law disputes are managed, particularly focusing on child custody and support issues. The bill sets forth clear protocols on how awards are determined, including what happens in cases of disputes over fairness or proper conduct in arbitration hearings. It preserves the court's role in confirming arbitrations, albeit with an emphasis on expediting processes through proper arbitration procedures, potentially leading to swifter resolutions in many family law cases. This new structure presents an opportunity for involved parties to handle disputes more flexibly and privately, which some view as a welcome modernization of family law practices.

Summary

House File 667, known as the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, establishes a structured framework for arbitration in family law disputes. The bill allows parties involved in matters such as child custody and child support to resolve their issues through arbitration rather than traditional courtroom procedures. It defines key terminologies related to arbitration and specifies requirements for arbitration agreements, underscoring the necessity for such agreements to be well-formed and documented to be enforceable. Crucially, the bill mandates that arbitration judgements are not enforceable until confirmed by a court, ensuring judicial oversight over substantial family matters.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding HF667, particularly concerning the limitations it places on arbitration. The bill does not permit arbitrators to make rulings on legal separations or terminations of parental rights, which some argue could reduce the autonomy parties have in resolving complex family issues. Additionally, the requirement for a court review and confirmation of awards may be seen by some as an unnecessary layer of oversight that could delay resolutions. Advocates for traditional litigation may express concerns about the efficacy of arbitration in safeguards against issues such as domestic violence within family law contexts. The balance between efficiency and the safeguarding of legal rights remains a critical discussion point in the deliberations on this bill.