Please see the statewide chart of enactment of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA), with links to state laws or rules. As discussed below (see History), Collaborative practice started in 1990, evolved, and grew. In 2010, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws finalized the Uniform Collaborative Law Rules and Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
Six years later, Florida joined 13 other states that had formalized the collaborative option to resolve divorces. Florida’s version in the Uniform Collaborative Law Process Act works with Florida’s Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.745, Florida’s Rule 4-1.19, Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and the Florida Supreme Court’s collaborative divorce forms.
UCLA: Recent State Adoptions
New Mexico, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia followed suit. In 2021, Colorado and New Hampshire became the 21st and 22nd states (plus the District of Columbia) to adopt the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA). In 2024), Mississippi adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Rule and Kentucky and Louisiana adopted the UCLA. This year (2025), Oklahoma and Connecticut adopted the UCLA.
That means, by statute or rule, 28 jurisdictions – more than half the US – have adopted the UCLA.
FEBRUARY 6, 2024: THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION APPROVES THE UNIFORM COLLABORATIVE PROCESS ACT
In February 2024, the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association (ABA) recognized this continuing movement of states in the US to adopt the UCLA.
The American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates adopted Resolution #703 on February 5, 2024:
In 1990, the collaborative concept began as a spark, with one man. Veteran Minnesota family lawyer Stuart Webb admired when family law attorneys worked most creatively and effectively. That was in settlement, when they jointly solved issues, rather than argued positions. He realized, instead of warring in court, people could work with motivated professionals constructively and privately. The “collaborative” team could help couples resolve difficult family law problems.
At the same time, California professionals were developing a team approach to resolving legal issues, including divorces. Great minds kept thinking and thinkers kept working. The spark and movement spread across Florida, the United States and worldwide. Now, 25,000 collaboratively trained lawyers, mental health, financial, and other professionals do collaborative work. They make up 200 collaborative practice groups across 24 countries. These professionals understand Collaborative contract power!
Uniform Collaborative Law Act Enactment by States
| Jurisdiction | Year | Bill Number | Status | Sponsor | Link | History |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 2007 | General Rules of Practice, Rule 111.05 | Minnesota | Rule 111.05 Collaborative Law (a) Collaborative Law Defined. Collaborative law is a process in which parties and their respective trained collaborative lawyers and other professionals contract in writing to resolve disputes without seeking court action other than approval of a stipulated settlement. The process may include the use of neutrals as defined in Rule 114.02(b), depending on the circumstances of the particular case. If the collaborative process ends without a stipulated agreement, the collaborative lawyers must withdraw from further representation. (b) Deferral from Scheduling. Where the parties to an action request deferral in a form substantially similar to Form 111.03 and the court has agreed to attempt to resolve the action using a collaborative law process, the court shall defer setting any deadlines for the period specified in the order approving deferral. (c) Additional ADR following Collaborative Law. When a case has been deferred pursuant to subdivision (b) of this rule and is reinstated on the calendar with new counsel or a collaborative law process has resulted in withdrawal of counsel prior to the filing of the case, the court should not ordinarily order the parties to engage in further ADR proceedings without the agreement of the parties. Advisory Committee Comment - 2007 Amendment Rule 111.05 is a new rule to provide for the use of collaborative law processes in matters that would otherwise be in the court system. Collaborative law is a process that attempts to resolve disputes outside the court system. Where court approval or entry of a court document is necessary, such as for minor settlements or entry of a decree of marriage dissolution, the court's role may be limited to that essential task. Collaborative law is defined in Rule 111.05(a). The primary distinguishing characteristic of this process is the retention of lawyers for the parties, with the lawyers' and the parties' written agreement that if the collaborative law process is not successful and litigation ensues, each lawyer will withdraw from representing the client in the litigation. Despite not being court-based, the committee believes the good faith use of collaborative law processes by the parties should be accommodated by the court in two ways. First, as provided in new Rule 111.05(b), the parties should be able to request deferral from scheduling for a duration to be determined appropriate by the parties. This can be accomplished through the use of new Form 111.03 or similar submission providing substantially the same information. Second, if the parties have obtained deferral from scheduling for a collaborative law process that proves unsuccessful, the action should not normally or automatically be ordered into another ADR process. The rule intentionally does not bar a second ADR process, as there may be cases where the court fairly views that such an effort may be worthwhile. These provisions for deferral and presumed exemption from a second ADR process are also made expressly applicable to family law matters by a new Rule 304.05. | ||
| Connecticut | 2025 | SB 1283 - Public Act No. 25-153 | Adopted | Judiciary Committee | Connecticut | On July 8, 2025, with the adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act through SB 1283, Public Act No. 25-153, Connecticut became the twenty-eighth jurisdiction to enact the legislation by statute or court rule. Introduced on February 10, 2025, by the Judiciary Committee, the bill passed the Joint Judiciary Committee (41-0) after public hearing on March 3, 2025. On May 7, 2025, the bill passed the Senate (36–0). The House passed the bill, as amended, unanimously (148-0) on June 4, 2025 (the last day of session). On July 8, 2025, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont gave notice he signed the bill, enacting Sections 1 to 22 of the Connecticut Uniform Collaborative Law Act. The Connecticut UCLA takes effect on October 1, 2025. |
| Oklahoma | 2025 | HB 2117 | Adopted | Kannady | Oklahoma | With the adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2025 through HB 2117, Oklahoma became the twenty-seventh jurisdiction to enact the legislation by statute or court rule. Introduced on January 16, 2025, by Representative Chris Kannady, the bill passed the House Judiciary - Civil Committee after a public hearing on February 11, 2025, and the House (90–4) on March 3, 2025. It passed the Senate unanimously (46–0) on May 7, 2025. On May 15, 2025, The bill became law without Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's signature as Section 3302 of Title 12. The effective date: January 1, 2026. |
| Mississippi | 2024 | Mississippi Collaborative Law Rules | Adopted | The Mississippi Bar | Mississippi | Mississippi adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law framework as a court rule in 2024 through the establishment of the Rules for Collaborative Law, becoming the twenty-sixth jurisdiction to adopt the model legislation by rule or statute. The adoption process began in 2020 when then-Mississippi Bar President Jennifer Ingram Johnson of Hattiesburg appointed an ad hoc committee to study alternatives to litigation in domestic relations and other civil matters. The committee, informed by Johnson’s exposure to collaborative law at a Texas continuing education workshop and her personal experience with divorce, reviewed rules in other states, noting that twenty states had adopted the UCLA. Johnson said, "Divorce doesn't end a relationship." "Divorce changes it, so it's best to preserve all parts of the relationship that you can preserve. Let go of the ones you can't, but there's got to be part of it that continues for the children's sake. If you can go through a collaborative process and reach an agreement, the children come out ahead." After a two-year study, the committee drafted rules modeled after the UCLA, tailored for Mississippi’s family law context, focusing on divorce and child custody disputes. The Mississippi Bar submitted petition In re: Rule for Collaborative Law, No. 89-R-99044-SCT, to the Mississippi Supreme Court proposing the Rules for Collaborative Law. By order filed July 26, 2024, the Supreme Court granted the petition, with the Mississippi Collaborative Law Rules taking effect August 26, 2024. Jackson attorney Mark Chinn spearheaded the team that worked on shaping the collaborative law rules. |
| Missouri | 2024 | HB 2931 | Introduced 03/01/24. Read 2d time 03/04/24. Referred to General Laws 05/17/24. | Veit | Missouri | 03/01/2024. Adds Uniform Collaborative Law Act to Chapter 452, RSMo. Would be effective 8/28/24. Introduced on March 1, 2024, by Representative Rudy Veit, and referred to the House General Laws committee on May 17, 2024. |
| West Virginia | 2023 | HB 3149 | Introduced | Storch, Howell, and Clark. | West Virginia (House) | Introduced on January 30, 2023, in the West Virginia House of Delegates by Storch, Howell, and Clark during the 2023 Regular Session. Died in committee. |
| Kentucky | 2024 | HB 206 | Enacted | Dietz | Kentucky | Kentucky’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2024 through HB 206 made it the twenty-fourth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 9, 2024, by Representative Stephanie Dietz, the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee, and the House unanimously (98–0) on March 21, 2024. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a hearing on March 21, 2024, and the Senate unanimously (38–0) on March 28, 2024. Governor Andy Beshear signed it into law on April 4, 2024, as Acts Chapter 62, creating Kentucky Revised Statutes 403.640 to 403.670, effective July 15, 2024. |
| West Virginia | 2023 | SB486 | Introduced | Woodrum and Trump | West Virginia (Senate) | Introduced January 27, 2023. Died in committee. |
| Louisiana | 2024 | SB 188 | Enacted | Coussan | Louisiana | Louisiana’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2024 through SB 188 made it the twenty-fifth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on March 11, 2024, by Senator Jean-Paul Coussan, the bill passed the Senate on April 2, 2024 (31–0). It passed the House (96–0) on May 14, 2024. Governor Jeff Landry signed it into law on May 21, 2024, as Act 98, R.S. 9:377-377.19, effective August 1, 2024. The bill had strong backing from the Louisiana State Law Institute, LSBA, and legal community. |
| Missouri | 2024 | HB 2122 | Introduced 01/04/24. Referred to General Laws 05/17/24. | Mackey | Missouri | Would add the UCLA to Chapter 452, RSMo. Introduced on January 3, 2024, in the Missouri House of Representatives by Representative Ian Mackey during the 2024 Regular Session. It was referred to the House General Laws committee on May 17, 2024, proposing to adopt the UCLA for family law matters. |
| Tennessee | 2019 | Court Rule | Enacted | Tennessee | krRule 53, Tennessee Rules of Court, adopted 04/04/2019, amended 07/15/2019. Tennessee adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law framewo as a court rule in 2019 through Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 53, becoming the nineteenth jurisdiction to implement the model legislation. The rule, governing collaborative family law processes, was promulgated by the Tennessee Supreme Court and took effect on April 4, 2019. The process began with a petition filed by the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) on June 13, 2017, under docket number ADM2017-01195. The TBA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section and Family Law Section likely drove the initiative, building on discussions that started as early as 2012, when the TBA considered model collaborative law rules. Oral argument to discuss the proposed rule took place before the Tennessee Supreme Court on October 4, 2018. Irwin Kuhn made the presentation to the court. After reviewing written comments and the October 4, 2018 oral argument, the Supreme Court adopted Rule 53 on April 1, 2019, with the order filed on April 4, 2019. | |
| Massachusetts | 2020 | HD 61 | No current activity | Commission on Uniform State Laws | Massachusetts | 09/10/2019 - Hearing 09/17/2019. 11/12/2020 Accompanied a Study Order (Order H.5081).
Introduced on January 22, 2019, in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Sponsored by the Commission on Uniform State Laws during the 191st General Court (2019–2020). It was referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on January 22, 2019. The committee extended the reporting deadline multiple times. |
| Washington | 2013 | HB 1116 | Enacted | Pedersen | Washington | Effective 07/28/2013. Title 7 RCW. Chapter 7.77. Sections 7.77.010 through 7.77.902. Washington State’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2013 through HB 1116 made it the seventh jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 16, 2013, by Representatives Jamie Pedersen, Hansen, Rodne, and Nealey, with the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) as the requester. The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Law & Justice Committee. |
| Utah | 2010 | HB 284 | Enacted | Fowlke | Utah | The first state to adopt the UCLA. Enacted by Chapter 382, 2010 General Session. HB0284S01. Governor signed the UCLA into law March 30, 2010. Effective May 11, 2010. Introduced 02/03/2010. Thereafter, unanimously passed in committess and House and Senate. Bill sponsor, Utah Representative Lorie D. Fowlke, was a member of the Uniform Law Commission. She presented the bill. House Floor Audio (Day 24) 2/18/2010 HB0284S01, available here. Senator Hillyard spoke on 2d reading on 03/03/2010. Audio available here. "CL is done primarily now, it's a fairly new thing in divorce matters. And what you do is the attorneys get together with the parties and they try to work out a solution that mutually benefits to all of them. It has a very unique feature. And that's the fact the attorneys make an agreement that if they cannot come to an agreement, they will not represent the parties in court. And so you end up in a situation the threat 'I'll go to court, I'll go to court' is off the table and this has been found to be very effective" "This is a law developed by the Uniform Law Commission." Senator Hillyard said one of the ULC members was present when the UCLA was first debated. Two amendments were to take out from the statute procedures and have those handled by court rule and to remove the requirement for continuing education. "I know of no opposition to this bill. It's a practice that's going on quite a bit now by lawyers who do this and it just puts in statute the procedures they generally follow." Senator Hillyard spoke on 3d reading on 03/04/2010 (Day 37). "CL is where the attorneys meet with the parties and try to work out a resolution. This codifies what we're currently doing." No questions. Audio from Day 38, 3d reading, final passage. Available at this link. |
| Virginia | 2021 | HB 1852 | Enacted | Sullivan | Virginia | On 03/25/2021, VA Governor Northam signed into law, effective 07/01/2021 (Title 20, Chapter 11, Sections 20-168 through 20-187). Virginia’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2021 through HB 1852 made it the twenty-first jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 7, 2021, by Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr. The house bill passed the House unanimously (100–0) on January 25, 2021. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a hearing on February 15, 2021, and the Senate (37–2) on February 17, 2021. Governor Northam signed it into law on March 25, 2021, as Chapter 346, effective July 1, 2021. |
| Texas | 2011 | HB 3833 | Enacted | Phillips | Texas | Texas’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2011 through HB 3833 made it the second state to enact the model legislation. The bill passed with overwhelming support in the 82nd Texas Legislature, becoming effective on September 1, 2011. |
| Pennsylvania | 2018 | HB 1644 | Enacted | Klunk | Pennsylvania | Title 42, Chapter 74, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, sections 7401 through 7411. Pennsylvania’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2018 through HB 1644 made it the eighteenth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on June 28, 2017, the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee after a public hearing on October 3, 2017, with amendments adopted on October 17, 2017. It passed the House (187–0) on December 6, 2017, followed by Senate passage (47–2) on June 21, 2018, after which the House concurred in the Senate amendments on June 22, 2018 with a 193-0 vote. Governor Wolf signed it into law on June 28, 2018, as Act 55, effective August 27, 2018. |
| Ohio | 2013 | HB 461 | Enacted | Stebelton | Ohio | Ohio Revised Code 3105.41 through 3105.54 - Ohio Collaborative Family Law Act. Ohio’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2013 through HB 461 made it the eighth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on February 22, 2012, by Representative Gerald Stebelton, the bill passed the House Judiciary and Ethics Committee after public hearings on February 28, May 8, and May 15, 2012, resulting in a substitute bill. It passed the House (95–0) on May 24, 2012, and the Senate Judiciary Committee on November 28, 2012, followed by unanimous Senate passage (33–0) on November 28, 2012 and House concurrence (88-2) on December 4, 2012. Governor Kasich signed it into law on December 20, 2012, effective March 22, 2013. |
| North Dakota | 2016 | Court Rule | Enacted | North Dakota | Rule 8.10, North Dakota Rules of Court, effective 03/01/2016, designed to facilitate collaborative law in ND, derived from the Uniform Collaborative Law Act and Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 111.05 (Collaborative Law). See also N.D.R.Ev. 513 (Collaborative Law Privilege). North Dakota’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Rule, Rule 8.10, in 2016 made it the fourteenth jurisdiction to implement the legislation. The process began with the Joint Procedure Committee’s review from April 2013 to January 2015, culminating in a proposed rule derived from the UCLA and Minnesota’s rule. Discussions are reflected in JPC minutes from April 25–26, 2013; April 24–25, 2014; September 25–26, 2014; and January 29–30, 2015. The North Dakota Supreme Court adopted Rule 8.10 and Rule 513 (Collaborative Law Privilege) effective March 1, 2016. | |
| North Carolina | 2020 | HB 32 | Enacted | Davis | North Carolina | Effective 10/01/2020, NC Gen Stat 1-641 through 1-663. Article 53. North Carolina’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2020 through HB 32 made it the twentieth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on February 6, 2019, by Representative Ted Davis, Jr., the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee after a public hearing on April 30, 2019. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a hearing on June 23, 2020, with a committee substitute adjusting the effective date, and the Senate (47–1) on June 24, 2020, with House concurrence (115–0). Governor Cooper signed it into law on July 1, 2020, as SL 2020-65, effective October 1, 2020. |
| New Mexico | 2017 | Court Rule | Enacted | New Mexico | Article 12, Domestic Relations Rules, New Mexico Court Rules, Rule 1-128 (section 1-128.1 through 1-128.13, effective for all cases pending or filed on or after 12/31/2016 New Mexico adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Rules in 2017 by Order No. 17-8300-022 by Court Rule in 2017, and became the sixteenth jurisdiction to implement the UCLR/A. The rules, including Rule of Civil Procedure 1-128 (Uniform collaborative law rules; short title; definitions; applicability) and related provisions such as Rule 1-128.5 (Adoption of agreement by tribunal), were adopted by Order No. 17-8300-022, effective December 31, 2017. | |
| New Jersey | 2014 | AB 1477 | Enacted | Diegnan | New Jersey | New Jersey Revised Statutes, Title 2A, Section 2A:23D-1 through 2A:23D-17. New Jersey’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2014 through A1477 made it the ninth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 14, 2014. Sponsored by: Assemblyman PATRICK J. DIEGNAN, JR., Assemblyman GORDON M. JOHNSON, and others. The bill passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee and the Appropriations Committee. It passed the Assembly (76–0) on May 22, 2014, and the Senate (40–0) on June 26, 2014. Governor Christie signed it into law on December 9, 2014, effective immediately, codified as N.J.S.A. 2A:23D-1 et seq. |
| Nevada | 2011 | AB 91 | Enacted | Segerblom | Nevada | Nevada’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2011 through AB 91 made it the third state to enact the model legislation. Introduced by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, AB 91 passed unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law by Governor Sandoval on May 13, 2011, effective January 1, 2013. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 38, NRS 38.400 through NRS 38.575. |
| Montana | 2015 | HB 272 | Enacted | Hill | Montana | Montana Code Annotated 2019, Title 25. Civil Procedure. Chapter 40. Alternative Dispute Resolution. Part 1, 25-40-101 through 25-40-121. Montana’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2015 through HB 272 made it the twelfth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 21, 2015, by Representative Ellie Boldman Hill at the request of the State Bar of Montana, the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Governor Bulloick signed it into law on April 8, 2015, as Chapter 200, effective October 1, 2015. |
| Michigan | 2014 | SB 714 | Enacted | Schuitmaker | Michigan | Michigan Compiled Laws, Act 159 of 2014, Uniform Collaborative Law Act, Chapter 691, 691.1331 through 691.1354. Michigan’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2014 through SB 714 made it the tenth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on December 5, 2013, by Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, the bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a public hearing and the House Judiciary Committee. It passed the House (101–9) on May 22, 2014 and the Senate (35–0) on May 27, 2014. Governor Snyder signed it into law on June 11, 2014, as Public Act 159, codified as MCL 691.1331–691.1352. |
| Maryland | 2014 | SB 805 | Enacted | Raskin | Maryland | Md Code Ann., Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Section 3-2001 through 3-2015, new subtitle 20. Maryland’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2014 through SB 805 made it the eleventh jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 31, 2014, by Senator Norman R. Stone, Jr., sponsored by Senators Raskin, Forehand, Jones-Rodwell, Kelley, Madaleno, Montgomery, and Rosapepe. The bill, codified in the Maryland Code as Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-2001 et seq., was passed during the 2014 Regular Session of the Maryland General Assembly. The bill passed the Senate (46-0) on March 19, 2014 and House (135-0) on April 7, 2014. Passed House Governor O’Malley signed the Act into law on May 5, 2014, as Chapter 513, effective October 1, 2014. |
| Illinois | 2017 | SB 67 | Enacted | Hastings | Illinois | Collaborative Process Act, 750 ILCS 90, effective 01/01/2018. Illinois’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2017 through SB 67 made it the seventeenth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 11, 2017, by Senator Michael E. Hastings (co-sponsors Michael Connelly and Napoleon Harris, III), the bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a public hearing on February 8, 2017, with Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 adopted on March 14, 2017. It passed the Senate (53–1) on March 29, 2017. On May 25, 2017, the House unanimously passed the bill (115–0). Governor Rauner signed it into law on August 18, 2017, as Public Act 100-0205, effective January 1, 2018. |
| Hawaii | 2012 | HB 626 | Enacted | Evans | Hawaii | Hawaii Revised Statutes, Title 36. Chapter 658G, Sections 658G-1 through 658G-22. Hawaii’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2012 through HB 626 made it the fourth state to enact the Act. Introduced on January 21, 2011, by Representative Cindy Evans, HB 626 progressed through the House Judiciary and Finance Committees and the Senate Judiciary and Labor and Ways and Means Committees, with amendments leading to a Conference Committee agreement in April 2012. The bill passed in both chambers and was signed into law by Governor Neil Abercrombie on July 3, 2012, as Act 207, effective July 1, 2012, and codified as HRS Chapter 658G. |
| Florida | 2016 | HB 967 | Enacted | Stevenson | Florida | Florida became the fifteenth jurisdiction to adopt the UCLA. HB 967 on December 15, 2015, by Representative Cyndi Stevenson. A companion bill, Senate Bill 972 (SB 972), was introduced on January 12, 2016, by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon). On February 24, 2016, CS/HB 967 passed the House on third reading with a vote of 117 Ayes and 0 Nays, and was certified to the Senate. On March 4, 2016, CS/CS/HB 967 passed the Senate unanimously with a vote of 39 Ayes and 0 Nays. The bill was enrolled and signed by Governor Rick Scott on March 24, 2016, as Chapter 2016-93, Laws of Florida, and became effective on July 1, 2016. The framework created by the Act would become effective 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court adopted rules of procedure and professional responsibility for the practice of collaborative law in Florida. On May 18, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court adopted both Rule 12.745 and Rule 4-1.19, effective July 1, 2017, as part of amendments to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, respectively, documented in In re Amendments to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, 218 So. 3d 440 (Fla. 2017). Read more about Florida's collaborative process system, which comprises: Florida's Collaborative Law Process Act, Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.745, Florida Bar's collaborative ethical rule, and Florida Supreme Court Approved Collaborative Divorce Forms. |
| District of Columbia | 2012 | 19-43 | Enacted | Mendelson | Dist of Columbia | Chapter 40, Code of the District of Columbia, 16-4001 through 16.4022. The District of Columbia’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2012 through Bill 19-43 made it the fifth jurisdiction to enact the legislation. The bill was introduced in the Council of the District of Columbia on January 18, 2011, by Councilmember Phil Mendelson and others. It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, chaired by Mendelson, on the same day. Public oral and written testimony came from, among others, James C. McKay, Jr., Chair, D.C. Uniform Law Commission; Michael Kerr, Legislative Director and Legal Counsel, Uniform Law Commission; Mary S. Pence, Esq., International Association of Collaborative Professionals; Barbara A. Burr, Esq., first president of the District of Columbia Academy of Collaborative Law Practitioners; Lee F. Satterfield, Chief Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Suzy Eckstein, Oakley & Eckstein, LLC; Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.; Karma Cottman, Executive Director, DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Uniform Law Commissioners, IACP, DC Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Judiciary, Collaborative Practitioners (including Pence, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.) |
| Arizona | 2015 | Court Rule | Enacted | Arizona | Rule 67.1, Collaborative Law Proceedings, Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated. Rules of Family Law Procedure, effective September 1, 2019. Arizona adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Rule (UCLR) as a court rule in 2015 through the establishment of Rule 67.1 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure. The rule was promulgated by the Arizona Supreme Court, effective January 1, 2016. The adoption process began with a petition (R-14-0027) filed January 9, 2015 with the Arizona Supreme Court by two Uniform Law Commissioners. The petition proposed adding Rule 67.1 to the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure to establish a framework for collaborative law proceedings, focusing on family law matters. | |
| Alabama | 2013 | Alabama Act 2013-355 | Enacted | Black | Alabama | Effective 01/01/2014 Alabama Uniform Collaborative Law Act, Title 6, Section 6-6-26.01 through 6-6-26.21, Code of Alabama. Alabama adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA) in 2013 through House Bill 396 (HB 396), enacted as Act 2013-355, becoming the sixth jurisdiction to implement the model legislation. The Act was passed during the 2013 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature. |
| New Hampshire | 2021 | SB 134-FN | Enacted | Carson | New Hampshire | Effective 10/9/2021 (60 days after passage). Establishes the NH Collaborative Law Act, Chapter 490-J, Part V. New Hampshire’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2021 through SB 134-FN made it the twenty-second jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on January 6, 2021, by Senator Sharon M. Carson as an omnibus bill, Part V established the Collaborative Law Act, Chapter 490-J. The amended bill passed the House on June 3, 2021 (264–113), with Senate concurrence on June 10, 2021. Governor Sununu signed it into law on August 10, 2021, as Chapter 206, effective 60 days after passage for Part V (October 9, 2021). No major opposition to the collaborative law component was documented, with opposition in the House targeting other omnibus parts. |
| Colorado | 2021 | SB 143 | Enacted | Gardner | Colorado | Colorado’s adoption of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2021 through SB 143 made it the twenty-third jurisdiction to enact the legislation. Introduced on March 1, 2021, by prime sponsor Senator Robert "Bob" S. Gardner, Representative Marc Snyder, and Representative Kerry Tipper, the bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after a public hearing on March 24, 2021, and the Senate (35–0) on April 1, 2021. It passed the House Judiciary Committee after a hearing on May 11, 2021, and the House (62–1) on May 4, 2021. Governor Jared Polis signed it into law on May 17, 2021, as Article 24 to Title 13, Colorado Revised Statutes, effective January 1, 2022. |