HB 967 Summary

• Creates the "Collaborative Law Process Act" establishing a uniform system for collaborative dispute resolution in family law matters under Florida Statutes chapters 61 and 742.

• A collaborative law process begins when parties sign a participation agreement and cannot be ordered by courts over a party's objection; process terminates when a party gives notice, initiates court proceedings, or discharges their attorney without a successor being engaged within 30 days.

• Establishes confidentiality and privilege protections for all communications made during the collaborative law process, preventing discovery and admissibility in proceedings except for specific exceptions including threats of violence, criminal activity, professional misconduct claims, and child/adult abuse.

• Applies to family law matters including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, parental relocation, parentage, and marital agreements.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016, with the confidentiality provisions becoming effective 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court adopts related rules of procedure and professional responsibility.