Sec. 5073.
(1) Arbitration under this chapter may be heard by a single arbitrator or by a panel of 3 arbitrators. The court shall appoint an arbitrator agreed to by the parties if the arbitrator is qualified under subsection (2) and consents to the appointment. An arbitrator appointed under this chapter is immune from liability in regard to the arbitration proceeding to the same extent as the circuit judge who has jurisdiction of the action that is submitted to arbitration.
(2) The court shall not appoint an arbitrator under this chapter unless the individual meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) Is an attorney in good standing with the state bar of Michigan.
(b) Has practiced as an attorney for not less than 5 years before the appointment and has demonstrated an expertise in the area of domestic relations law.
(c) Has received training in the dynamics of domestic violence and in handling domestic relations matters that have a history of domestic violence.
(3) The office of the friend of the court, an alternative dispute resolution clerk, or another individual designated by the chief judge may make available a list of arbitrators who meet the qualifications of this section. The list shall include a summary of each arbitrator's qualifications and experience.
History: Add. 2000, Act 419, Eff. Mar. 28, 2001
Last modified: October 10, 2016