S.B. 335 Summary

• Establishes the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, authorizing arbitration as a method to resolve family law disputes in Hawaii, including child custody, visitation, and financial support matters.

• Requires arbitration agreements to be in writing and signed by both parties, identifying the arbitrator or selection method and specifying which family law disputes will be arbitrated.

• Prohibits arbitrators from making awards on divorces, annulments, separations, termination of parental rights, adoptions, guardianships, or child protection status determinations.

• Mandates arbitrators be trained in identifying domestic violence and child abuse, and either licensed attorneys or retired judges, unless parties waive this requirement.

• Establishes procedures for court confirmation, correction, vacation, and enforcement of arbitration awards, with special protections requiring court approval before arbitration can proceed if domestic violence or safety concerns exist.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2050.