MN SF2492

Enacts the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in Minnesota Statutes chapter 572A, establishing a framework for parties to resolve disputes through collaborative law processes without tribunal intervention.

Requires collaborative law participation agreements to be in writing, signed by all parties, identify their collaborative lawyers, and describe the nature and scope of the matter being resolved.

Disqualifies collaborative lawyers and their law firm associates from representing parties in subsequent tribunal proceedings related to the collaborative matter, with limited exceptions for approving agreements and emergency orders.

Establishes privilege and confidentiality protections for collaborative law communications, making them inadmissible in evidence and not subject to discovery, with exceptions for public records, threats, crimes, and professional misconduct claims.

Requires prospective collaborative lawyers to assess appropriateness of the process, inform parties of benefits and risks compared to alternatives, investigate histories of coercive or violent relationships, and ensure parties understand their right to unilaterally terminate the process.