SB 1677 Summary

• Establishes mediation as the preferred method for resolving property disputes in marital cases, with mandatory court submission of mediation evidence.

• Requires jury trials for property disputes exceeding $2,500, with a three-step dispute resolution process: mediation first, then bench trial, then jury trial if litigants deem necessary.

• Prohibits charging interest on late or unpaid child support and maintenance payments, and eliminates interest accrual on support arrearages.

• Grants juries final authority over child support awards, parenting time orders, and monetary decisions in family law matters, with jury verdicts superior to judicial orders.

• Requires court disclosure to all parties of their right to jury trial, with any subsequent proceedings void if disclosure is not made; limits jury trial fees to $500 maximum.