A bill for an act creating the uniform family law arbitration Act.

Iowa House File 667 (HF667) was a bill introduced on February 28, 2025, aiming to establish the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act in Iowa. This act sought to provide a legal framework for resolving family law disputes through arbitration, allowing parties to settle issues like property division and alimony outside of court. However, HF667 did not progress beyond the House Judiciary Committee and was not enacted. Subsequently, similar legislation was introduced as House File 2277 (HF2277) and later as House File 2619 (HF2619). HF2619 successfully passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on April 16, 2026. The new law, effective July 1, 2026, permits binding arbitration for divorce-related property and alimony disputes, while maintaining court authority over matters such as divorce decrees, child custody, child support, and termination of parental rights.

Media coverage highlighted the benefits of the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, emphasizing that it offers divorcing couples a private and efficient alternative to court proceedings for resolving property and alimony disputes. This approach is expected to reduce the burden on Iowa's court system and provide a more streamlined process for parties seeking resolution in family law matters. The law's enactment positions Iowa among a select group of states adopting this uniform framework, reflecting a progressive step in family law reform.

Critics have raised concerns that the new arbitration framework may limit parties' rights to appeal decisions, as the law restricts de novo appeals once an arbitration award is confirmed. This could potentially lead to situations where parties feel bound by decisions they perceive as unfair, with limited recourse. Additionally, some argue that arbitration may not provide the same level of procedural safeguards as traditional court proceedings, potentially disadvantaging less powerful parties in family law disputes.