Virginia § 20-172 - Proceedings pending before tribunal; status report
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 20-172 — Proceedings pending before tribunal; status report, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-172. Proceedings pending before tribunal; status report
A. Persons in a proceeding pending before a tribunal may sign a collaborative law participation agreement to seek to resolve a collaborative matter related to the proceeding. The parties shall file promptly with the tribunal a notice of the collaborative law participation agreement after it is signed. Subject to subsection D and §§ 20-173 and 20-174, the filing operates as an application for a stay of the proceeding.
B. In the event that a stay is not granted by the tribunal, the proceeding shall be nonsuited by the parties before the collaborative law process may continue.
C. In the event that a stay of the proceeding is granted by the tribunal, the parties shall promptly file with the tribunal a notice in a record when their collaborative law process concludes. A stay of the proceeding under subsection A is lifted when the notice is filed. The notice shall not specify any reason for termination of the process.
D. A tribunal in which a proceeding is stayed under subsection A may require the parties and collaborative lawyers to provide a status report on the collaborative law process and the proceeding. A status report may include only information on whether the process is ongoing or concluded. It shall not include a report, assessment, evaluation, recommendation, finding, or other communication regarding a collaborative law process or collaborative law matter.
E. A tribunal shall not consider a communication made in violation of subsection D.
F. A tribunal shall provide parties notice and an opportunity to be heard before dismissing a proceeding in which a notice of collaborative process is filed based on delay or failure to prosecute.
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 346.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 20-172
What does Code of Virginia § 20-172 cover?
Section 20-172 ("Proceedings pending before tribunal; status report") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. 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 Virginia § 20-172?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 20-172" (Virginia). 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 Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 20-172 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia 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 Virginia.