1. (a) Manner.— An arbitrator shall make an award in a record, dated and signed by the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall give notice of the award to each party by a method agreed on by the parties or, if the parties have not agreed on a method, under section 7321.3 (relating to notice).

2. (b) Rationale.—

   1. (1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the arbitrator shall make written findings explaining an award.
   2. (2) Except as set forth in subsection (c), the parties, by agreement, may stipulate that paragraph (1) does not apply.
3. (c) Child custody or support.— Notwithstanding subsection (b)(2), for an award determining a child custody dispute or a child support dispute, the arbitrator shall state the reasons on which the award is based as required by 23 Pa.C.S. (relating to domestic relations).
4. (d) Confirmation required.— An award is not enforceable as a judgment until confirmed under section 7386 (relating to confirmation of award).

Cross References. Section 7385 is referred to in sections 7386, 7387, 7388, 7389 of this title.