CHILD CUSTODY: ARBITRATION S.B. 569:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 569 (as introduced 5-12-09)
Sponsor: Senator Mark C. Jansen
Committee: Families and Human Services
Date Completed: 1-19-10
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Custody Act to require the court, in actions involving a child custody dispute, to establish rights and duties relating to child custody, support, and parenting time in accordance with Chapter 50B of the Revised Judicature Act (which deals with domestic relations arbitration).
Currently, in all actions involving dispute of a minor child's custody, the court must declare the child's inherent rights and establish rights and duties as to the child's custody, support, and parenting time in accordance with the Child Custody Act. The bill also would require the court to do those things in accordance with Chapter 50B.
(Under Chapter 50B, parties to a domestic relations dispute may agree to binding arbitration to determine an award for child custody, child support, or parenting time, among other provisions. The circuit court must enforce an arbitrator's award in the same manner as a court order.)
MCL 722.24 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would limit the level of court review when parties agree to binding arbitration in child custody matters. The bill would result in indeterminate administration savings to local units of government.
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb569/0910