Pennsylvania Statutes Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 7372. Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Arbitration agreement.”An agreement which subjects a family law dispute to arbitration.

“Arbitration organization.”An association, agency, board, commission or other entity which is neutral and initiates, sponsors or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator.

“Arbitrator.” An individual selected or appointed, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute which is subject to an arbitration agreement.

“Award.” Any interim award, temporary order or final disposition of a family law dispute by an arbitrator.

“Child custody dispute.”A family law dispute regarding legal custody, physical custody, parenting plans, parental duties, relocation or supervised physical custody of a child.

“Child support dispute.”A family law dispute regarding financial support of a child.

“Court.” A court of common pleas which has jurisdiction over a family law dispute.

“Family law dispute.”A contested issue arising under 23 Pa.C.S. (relating to domestic relations). The term does not include an issue under section 7373(b) (relating to scope of subchapter).

“Party.” An individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award.

“Person.” An individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal entity.

“Protection order.”An injunction or other order, issued under the domestic-violence, family-violence or stalking laws of the issuing jurisdiction, to prevent an individual from engaging in a violent or threatening act against, harassment of, contact or communication with or being in physical proximity to, another individual who is a party or a child under the custodial responsibility of a party.

“Record.” Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

“Sign.” With present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:

(1) to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or

(2) to attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound or process.

“State.” A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.