CS/HB 503 - Collaborative Law Process Act

• Establishes the "Collaborative Law Process Act" creating Part III of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes (sections 61.55-61.58) to provide a uniform system for collaborative law practices in family law matters

• Defines collaborative law process as a voluntary, nonadversarial method to resolve disputes (including divorce, custody, alimony, child support, and related matters) without tribunal intervention when parties sign a participation agreement

• Prohibits courts from ordering parties to participate in collaborative law process over their objection and establishes procedures for commencing, concluding, and terminating the process

• Makes collaborative law communications confidential and privileged, with exceptions for public records, threats of violence or crime, child/adult abuse claims, felony proceedings, and contract rescission/reformation cases

• Sections 61.55-61.58 do not take effect until 30 days after Florida Supreme Court adopts consistent rules of procedure and professional responsibility; other provisions effective July 1, 2015