Virginia § 20-175 - Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm; exception
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 20-175 — Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm; exception, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-175. Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm; exception
A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection C, a collaborative lawyer is disqualified from appearing before a tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter.
B. Except as otherwise provided in subsection C and § 20-176, a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated is disqualified from appearing before a tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter if the collaborative lawyer is disqualified from doing so under subsection A.
C. A collaborative lawyer or another lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a party:
1. To ask a tribunal to affirm, ratify, and incorporate any agreement resulting from the collaborative law process into a court order;
2. To ask a tribunal to enter any order necessary to effectuate the terms of any agreement resulting from the collaborative law process; or
3. To seek or defend an emergency order to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party or a party's family or household member, if a successor lawyer is not immediately available to represent such person.
D. If subdivision C 3 applies, a collaborative lawyer, or another lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may represent a party or a party's family or household member only until such person is represented by a successor lawyer or reasonable measures are taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of the person.
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 346.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 20-175
What does Code of Virginia § 20-175 cover?
Section 20-175 ("Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm; exception") 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 § 20-175?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 20-175" (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 § 20-175 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.