HB 20-1291 Summary

• Enacts the "Uniform Collaborative Law Act" establishing a collaborative law process for resolving disputes without court intervention, requiring both parties to be represented by collaborative lawyers.

• Requires collaborative law participation agreements to be in writing, signed by parties, describe the dispute nature and scope, identify each party's collaborative lawyer, and include informed consent regarding the disqualification process.

• Makes communications during collaborative law processes confidential and privileged, with limited exceptions for public records, threats, crimes, professional misconduct claims, child/adult abuse, and certain contract disputes.

• Disqualifies collaborative lawyers and their associated law firm members from appearing before tribunals on related matters after the process ends, except to approve agreements or seek emergency orders protecting health, safety, or welfare.

• Takes effect January 1, 2021, subject to potential referendum petition within 90 days of final adjournment.