Tennessee House Bill HB1177

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36, relative to domestic relations.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to alter how family law cases are approached within the state. By allowing arbitration for domestic relations disputes, it empowers individuals to resolve matters such as custody and financial support through an agreed-upon arbitrator rather than through the court system. However, the act also clarifies that arbitrators will not have the authority to finalize certain critical decisions, such as divorce or termination of parental rights, thus maintaining some limits on the arbitration process to safeguard important legal rights.

Summary

House Bill 1177 introduces the Tennessee Domestic Relations Arbitration Act, aimed at providing a structured framework for resolving domestic relations disputes outside of traditional court settings through arbitration. This act defines critical terms related to arbitration agreements and establishes the role of arbitrators in resolving issues pertaining to domestic relationships, including aspects related to child custody and financial support. By promoting arbitration, the bill seeks to offer parties a potentially less adversarial and more efficient means of resolving their disputes compared to litigation in court.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise over the enforcement and viability of arbitration agreements, particularly concerning child-related disputes. Critics may argue that arbitration could limit the accessibility of legal recourse for vulnerable parties by diverting disputes from the court system, which is seen as a more formal and potentially protective setting. The potential for disputes over the fairness of arbitration outcomes, especially in sensitive family law matters, may lead to calls for further oversight and transparency within the arbitration process.