PA Supreme Court Rules that Parents Cannot Bind Children to an Agreement to go to Arbitration

In the case of Shultz v. Skyzone, No. 25 EAP 2023 (Pa. Sept. 25, 2025) (Op. by Donohue, J.), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that a parent who signs an Arbitration Agreement cannot bind a non-signing spouse or a minor child to its terms.

This matter arose out of claims that several minors were injured at trampoline parks operated by Skyzone in Philadelphia. In each instance, only one (1) parent signed a “Participation Agreement, Release, and Assumption Of The Risk” on behalf of their child, which included an arbitration provision waiving the right to sue in court.

After the injuries, both the signing and non-signing parents, along with the injured minors, filed lawsuits seeking personal injury damages. The Defendant filed Petitions to Compel Arbitration, relying upon the signed Agreements.

The trial court denied these Petitions, finding that the Agreements were enforceable only against the signing parents. The Superior Court affirmed, holding that neither the non-signing parents nor the minors were bound by the Arbitration provisions.

As noted, on further appeal, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed the Orders of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court held that parent lacked the authority to bind a minor to an agreement to arbitrate, as this would deprive the minor of judicial protections and oversight design to safeguard their interests. As noted above, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court also held that a parent who signs an Arbitration Agreement cannot bind a non-signing parent, or minor child, to its terms.

Anyone wishing to review a copy of this decision may click this LINK.  Justice Brobson's Concurring and Dissenting Opinion can be viewed HERE.


The Pennsylvania Supreme Court the same decision in the consolidated case of Santiago v. Philly Trampoline Park, No. 24 EAP 2023 (Pa. Sept. 25, 2025) (Op. by Donohue, J.). The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in this case can be viewed at this LINK.  Justice Brobson's Concurring and Dissenting Opinion can be viewed HERE.


Source: Justia Daily Opinion Summaries, www.justia.com (Sept. 26, 2025).

Source of image: Photo by Ben Moses M on www.unsplash.com.