IA SF2371

Establishes the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act as new Chapter 598A in Iowa Code, providing a framework for arbitrating contested family law disputes arising under dissolution, paternity, and child support proceedings.

Allows parties to voluntarily submit family law disputes to binding arbitration, including issues of child custody, parenting time, visitation, child support, and property division, but requires arbitration agreements to be in writing and signed by both parties.

Prohibits arbitrators from granting divorces, terminating parental rights, granting adoptions or guardianships, determining child dependency status, or deciding child support when payments have been assigned to the state.

Requires arbitrators to apply Iowa state law when determining the merits of family law disputes and mandates that courts confirm, modify, or vacate arbitration awards, with special provisions protecting children's best interests in custody and support matters.

Includes safeguards for cases involving domestic violence, requiring disclosure of protection orders and allowing courts to decline enforcement of arbitration agreements if a party was subject to coercion or unable to participate effectively.