MA H1940

Establishes the Massachusetts Family Law Arbitration Act to govern arbitration of family law disputes including divorce, custody, child support, and property division under M.G.L. chapters 207, 208, 209, 209B, 209C, and 209D

Requires arbitrators to be attorneys in good standing with training in family law arbitration and domestic violence identification, and mandates disclosure of any conflicts of interest before serving

Prohibits arbitrators from granting divorces, terminating parental rights, granting adoptions or guardianships, or determining care and protection status of children, elders, or incapacitated persons

Requires arbitration to be stayed and referred to court if a party is subject to a protection order or if there is reasonable basis to believe a party's safety is at risk, with special protections for domestic violence victims

Awards in child-related disputes must state the reasons for the decision, be recorded verbatim, and be confirmed by the court only if found to be in the child's best interests