(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. This disqualification is not subject to waiver by the parties.(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), 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) or other court order.(c) A collaborative lawyer or a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a party:(1) to ask a tribunal to approve an agreement resulting from the collaborative law process and prepare and file all documents necessary to obtain a final order; or(2) to seek or defend an emergency order to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, or the party’s child including, but not limited to, a proceeding filed under the Protection from Abuse eek or defend an emergency order to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, or the party’s child including, but not limited to, a proceeding filed under the Protection from Abuse Act, Chapter 5 of Title 30, if a successor lawyer is not immediately available to represent that person. (d) If subsection (c)(2) applies, a collaborative lawyer, or lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may represent a party or the party’s child only until the person is represented by a successor lawyer or reasonable measures are taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of the person.(Act 2013-355, p. 1267, §9.)
Alabama Legal Code