TITLE: Relating to a disclosure by an attorney before accepting representation of a client in a suit for the dissolution of marriage.

SUMMARY: Relating to a disclosure by an attorney before accepting representation of a client in a suit for the dissolution of marriage.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a disclosure by an attorney before accepting representation of a client in a suit for the dissolution of marriage. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 6, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 6.412 to read as follows: Sec. 6.412. DISCLOSURE REQUIRED. (a) An attorney may not agree to represent a client in a suit for dissolution of a marriage unless: (1) the attorney provides the disclosure described by Subsection (b) to the client; and (2) the client acknowledges in writing that the client has received and understands the disclosure. (b) The State Bar of Texas shall adopt the disclosure form required under this section. The disclosure must include: (1) information about arbitration, mediation, collaborative law, and alternatives to retaining an attorney for the dissolution of a marriage; and (2) any other information the state bar requires. SECTION 2. (a) The State Bar of Texas shall adopt the disclosure form required by Section 6.412, Family Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2016. (b) Section 6.412, Family Code, as added by this Act, applies to the representation of a client that begins on or after March 1, 2016. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.