Senate Bill No. 1283, known as the Connecticut Uniform Collaborative Law Act, establishes a structured framework for collaborative law processes in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The bill introduces new definitions and procedures, including terms like "collaborative law communication," "collaborative law participation agreement," and "collaborative lawyer." It mandates that participation agreements be in writing, signed by the parties, and detail the collaborative matter and involved lawyers. The collaborative law process commences upon signing the agreement and can only conclude through specific resolutions or mutual consent. The bill also ensures that no party can be compelled to participate against their will and outlines mechanisms for terminating the process, including the discharge of a collaborative lawyer.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of collaborative law communications, establishing that such communications are privileged and not subject to discovery unless waived by all parties. However, it specifies exceptions to this privilege, such as in cases involving threats of violence or professional misconduct. The bill also allows tribunals to issue emergency orders during the collaborative process and to approve resulting agreements. It includes provisions for disqualifying collaborative lawyers from representing parties in related proceedings, with certain exceptions, and requires timely disclosures of relevant information. Overall, the bill aims to enhance dispute resolution in family and domestic relations matters through a more amicable and structured collaborative law approach.