Collaborative Law

By unanimous vote in both the Senate and House, the Washington State Legislature passed SB 1116, legislation that adopts the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA).    The law took effect July 28, 2013.

Here's the legislative summary:

The Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA) is adopted and applies to collaborative law participation agreements signed on or after the effective date of the act. The use of collaborative law only applies to matters that would be resolved in civil court and may not be used to resolve matters in criminal cases.     

Some of the principal features of the UCLA include:

• The Collaborative Participation Agreement
• The Authority of Tribunal During Collaborative Law Process
• Concluding a Collaborative Law Process
• Responsibilities of Collaborative Lawyers.
• Disqualification of Collaborative Lawyers
• Confidentiality and Privileges of Collaborative Law
• Communications Standards of Professional Responsibility

Click here for the complete session law.