Legislation to Bring Collaborative Law to PA Passed by House Committee, Klunk Says
HARRISBURG – With unanimous support, the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved legislation by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) to speed up the legal process and reduce the financial and emotional toll placed upon those involved in some court proceedings.
“Court proceedings, such as divorce, can be very traumatizing for everyone involved, especially children. Collaborative law particularly benefits children as divorce proceedings are expedited and handled in a manor respectful of the two parties and children,” Klunk said. “This process alleviates the strain felt by those involved in litigation, and the strain placed on our court system.”
Klunk’s legislation,
House Bill 1644, would codify the collaborative law process, which is already used by hundreds of attorneys in the state.
Collaborative law is a voluntary alternative dispute resolution process for parties that seek to have their legal matters resolved outside the courtroom. Parties enter into collaborative law agreements voluntarily and it cannot be court ordered. One of the hallmarks of collaborative law is that parties are individually represented every step of the way by separate counsel dedicated not only to their respective clients’ interests, but also to resolving the dispute without resorting to litigation. Additionally, parties agree that, should they fail to negotiate a resolution, they will each be required to retain new counsel for any subsequent litigation.
The legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Kate A. Klunk
169th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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