District Of Columbia § 16-4005 - Beginning and concluding collaborative law process.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-4005 — Beginning and concluding collaborative law process., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-4005. Beginning and concluding collaborative law process.
16-4005A collaborative law process begins when the parties sign a collaborative law participation agreement.
The tribunal may not order a party to participate in a collaborative law process over that party’s objection.
A collaborative law process is concluded by:
The resolution of a collaborative matter as evidenced by a signed record;
The resolution of a part of the collaborative matter, evidenced by a signed record, in which the parties agree that the remaining parts of the matter will not be resolved in the process; or
The termination of the process.
A collaborative law process terminates:
When a party gives notice to other parties in a record that the process is ended; or
When a party:
Begins a proceeding related to a collaborative matter without the agreement of all parties; or
In a pending proceeding related to the matter:
Initiates a pleading, motion, order to show cause, or request for a conference with the tribunal;
Requests that the proceeding be put on the tribunal’s calendar; or
Takes similar action requiring notice to be sent to the parties; or
Except as otherwise provided by subsection (g) of this section, when a party discharges a collaborative lawyer or a collaborative lawyer withdraws from further representation of a party.
A party’s collaborative lawyer shall give prompt notice to all parties in a record of a discharge or withdrawal.
A party may terminate a collaborative law process with or without cause.
Notwithstanding the discharge or withdrawal of a collaborative lawyer, a collaborative law process continues, if not later than 30 days after the date that the notice of the discharge or withdrawal of a collaborative lawyer required by subsection (e) of this section is sent to the parties:
The unrepresented party engages a successor collaborative lawyer; and
In a signed record:
The parties consent to continue the process by reaffirming the collaborative law participation agreement;
The agreement is amended to identify the successor collaborative lawyer; and
The successor collaborative lawyer confirms the lawyer’s representation of a party in the collaborative process.
A collaborative law process does not conclude if, with the consent of the parties, a party requests the tribunal to approve a resolution of the collaborative matter or any part thereof as evidenced by a signed record.
A collaborative law participation agreement may provide additional methods of concluding a collaborative law process.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-4005
What does D.C. Code § 16-4005 cover?
Section 16-4005 ("Beginning and concluding collaborative law process.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 16-4005?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-4005" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 16-4005 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.