Rule 71.2 Proceedings in arbitration

71.2(1) Filing petition with court. The court cannot take any action affecting the parties or the arbitration process unless a petition is filed with the court pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 598, 600B, or 600C.

71.2(2) Existing contested case. Parties in a family law court proceeding may opt in to arbitration proceedings under the Act upon filing a notice of arbitration action with the court.

71.2(3) Filing petition post arbitration proceedings. If the parties complete arbitration without having filed a petition, the parties must file a petition and notice of arbitration before the court may enter final judgment on the case.

71.2(4) Required form. Parties must use the Notice of Arbitration Action Under Iowa Code Chapter 598A in Iowa Court rule 71.10—Form 1 of this chapter to opt in to family law arbitration proceedings under the Act.

71.2(5) Suspension of court proceedings. Upon filing of a notice of arbitration action, the court proceedings and established court deadlines will be suspended pending conclusion of the arbitration proceedings or request of a party or parties.