Harvard Law Professor David A. Hoffman Explains the Uniform Collaborative Law Act

Video: Harvard Law Professor Explains Uniform Collaborative Law Act

Last year, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law the Collaborative Law Process Act.  There are still some steps that need to be taken for the law to go into effect (namely, the Florida Supreme Court will need to establish rules of procedure and rules of professional conduct).  However, the collaborative community celebrated this milestone after a seven year effort by family law attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals.

Uniform Collaborative Law Act

Florida’s Collaborative Law Process Act is based on the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (“UCLA”).  The UCLA is proposed legislation drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.  The Uniform Law Commission, as it is more commonly known, creates proposed legislation that it hopes states will adopt to bring consistency and clarity to different areas of the law.

Back in 2010, the American Bar Association House of Delegates was considering whether to support the UCLA.  In the video below made in 2009, Harvard Law Professor David A. Hoffman explains the UCLA.  He also advocates for the American Bar Association to support the UCLA.

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have now enacted a version of the UCLA.

Professor Hoffman to Discuss Collaborative Law in Tampa

On a related note, we in Tampa are excited to welcome Professor Hoffman to speak at the next meeting of Next Generation Divorce.  Next Generation Divorce is an organization of independent family law attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals who support and promote the collaborative process.  Next Generation Divorce has professionals throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties.

On February 8, 2017, Professor Hoffman will lead a wide-ranging interactive discussion on pressing issues in the collaborative community.  You can learn more about this event by clicking here.


Family Diplomacy managing attorney Adam B. Cordover and Professor David A. Hoffman are both founding members of the Peacemaking Practice Trainers.  The Peacemaking Practice Trainers teach attorneys and other professionals how to help families through divorce peacefully, respectfully, and without going to court.  Adam is also a former president of Next Generation Divorce.