reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
DC Code § 16-3906 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 39 - Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court|§ 16-3906. Pre-trial settlement; trial; procedure; default; dismissal or nonsuit; other disposition

(a) On the return day specified by subsection (g) of section 16-3902, or at such later time as the judge sets, the trial shall be had. Immediately prior to the trial of a case pursuant to this chapter, the judge shall make an earnest effort to settle the controversy by conciliation. If he fails to induce the parties to settle their differences without a trial, he shall proceed with the hearing on the merits pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. (b) The parties and witnesses shall be sworn. The judge shall conduct the trial in such manner as to do substantial justice between the parties according to the rules of substantive law, and is not bound by the statutory provisions or rules of practice, procedure, pleading, or evidence, except provisions relating to privileged communications. (c) If the defendant fails to appear, judgment shall be entered for the plaintiff by default as provided by section 16-3902(f), or under rules of court, or on ex-parte proof. If the plaintiff fails to appear, the action may be dismissed for want of prosecution, or a nonsuit may be ordered, or defendant may proceed to a trial on the merits, or the case may be continued or returned to the files for further proceedings on a later date, as the judge directs. If both parties fail to appear, the judge may return the case to the files, or order the action dismissed for want of prosecution, or make any other just and proper disposition thereof, as justice requires.  (Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 610, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-3906. 1973 Ed., § 16-3906.
DC Code § 16-3907 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 39 - Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court|§ 16-3907. Judgment; stay; installment payments; enforcement

When judgment is to be rendered in an action pursuant to this chapter and the party against whom it is to be entered requests it, the judge shall inquire fully into his earnings and financial status and may stay the entry of judgment, and stay execution, except in cases involving wage claims, and order partial payments in such amounts, over such periods, and upon such terms, as seems just in the circumstances and as will assure a definite and steady reduction of the judgment until it is finally and completely satisfied. Upon a showing that the party has failed to meet an installment payment without just excuse, the stay of execution shall be vacated. When a stay of execution has not been ordered or when a stay of execution has been vacated as provided by this section, the party in whose favor the judgment has been entered may avail himself of all remedies otherwise available in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the enforcement of the judgment.  (Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 611, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 564, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 145(p)(6); Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 10(pp), 45 DCR 745.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-3907. 1973 Ed., § 16-3907.
DC Code § 16-3908 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 39 - Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court|§ 16-3908. Judgment for wages; oral examination; payment

When a judgment rendered in an action pursuant to this chapter is founded in whole or in part on a claim for wages or personal services, the judge shall, upon motion of the party obtaining judgment, order the appearance of the party against whom the judgment has been entered, but not more often than once each week for four weeks, for oral examination under oath as to his financial status and his ability to pay the judgment, and the judge shall make such supplementary orders as seems just and proper to effectuate the payment of the judgment upon reasonable terms.  (Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 611, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-3908. 1973 Ed., § 16-3908.
DC Code § 16-3909 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 39 - Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court|§ 16-3909. Award of costs

In the action pursuant to this chapter, the award of costs is in the discretion of the judge, who may include therein the reasonable cost of bonds and undertakings, and other reasonable expenses incident to the action, incurred by either party.  (Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 611, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-3909. 1973 Ed., § 16-3909.
DC Code § 16-3910 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 39 - Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court|§ 16-3910. Other rights of judgment creditor

Except as otherwise provided by this chapter or the rules of the court, a party obtaining a judgment in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch is entitled to the same remedies, processes, costs, and benefits as are given or inure to other judgment creditors in the court.  (Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 611, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 145(p)(7).)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-3910. 1973 Ed., § 16-3910.
DC Code § 16-4001 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4001. Short title

This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Collaborative Law Act”.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 1 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4003 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4003. Applicability

This chapter applies to a collaborative law participation agreement that meets the requirements of § 16-4004 signed on or after the effective date of this chapter [May 9, 2012].  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 3 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4004 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4004. Collaborative law participation agreement; requirements

(a) A collaborative law participation agreement shall: (1) Be in a record; (2) Be signed by the parties; (3) State the parties’ intention to resolve a collaborative matter through a collaborative law process under this chapter; (4) Describe the nature and scope of the matter; (5) Identify the collaborative lawyer who represents each party in the process; and (6) Contain a statement by each collaborative lawyer confirming the lawyer’s representation of a party in the collaborative law process. (b) The parties may agree to include in a collaborative law participation agreement additional provisions not inconsistent with this chapter.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4003 and § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 4 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4005 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4005. Beginning and concluding collaborative law process

(a) A collaborative law process begins when the parties sign a collaborative law participation agreement. (b) The tribunal may not order a party to participate in a collaborative law process over that party’s objection. (c) A collaborative law process is concluded by: (1) The resolution of a collaborative matter as evidenced by a signed record; (2) The resolution of a part of the collaborative matter, evidenced by a signed record, in which the parties agree that the remaining parts of the matter will not be resolved in the process; or (3) The termination of the process. (d) A collaborative law process terminates: (1) When a party gives notice to other parties in a record that the process is ended; or (2) When a party: (A) Begins a proceeding related to a collaborative matter without the agreement of all parties; or (B) In a pending proceeding related to the matter: (i) Initiates a pleading, motion, order to show cause, or request for a conference with the tribunal; (ii) Requests that the proceeding be put on the tribunal’s calendar; or (iii) Takes similar action requiring notice to be sent to the parties; or (3) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (g) of this section, when a party discharges a collaborative lawyer or a collaborative lawyer withdraws from further representation of a party. (e) A party’s collaborative lawyer shall give prompt notice to all parties in a record of a discharge or withdrawal. (f) A party may terminate a collaborative law process with or without cause. (g) Notwithstanding the discharge or withdrawal of a collaborative lawyer, a collaborative law process continues, if not later than 30 days after the date that the notice of the discharge or withdrawal of a collaborative lawyer required by subsection (e) of this section is sent to the parties: (1) The unrepresented party engages a successor collaborative lawyer; and (2) In a signed record: (A) The parties consent to continue the process by reaffirming the collaborative law participation agreement; (B) The agreement is amended to identify the successor collaborative lawyer; and (C) The successor collaborative lawyer confirms the lawyer’s representation of a party in the collaborative process. (h) A collaborative law process does not conclude if, with the consent of the parties, a party requests the tribunal to approve a resolution of the collaborative matter or any part thereof as evidenced by a signed record. (i) A collaborative law participation agreement may provide additional methods of concluding a collaborative law process.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 5 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4006 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4006. Proceedings pending before tribunal; status report

(a) Persons in a proceeding pending before the tribunal may sign a collaborative law participation agreement to seek to resolve a collaborative matter related to the proceeding. The parties shall file promptly with the tribunal a notice of the agreement after it is signed. Subject to subsection (c) of this section and §§ 16-4007 and 16-4008, the filing operates as an application for a stay of the proceeding. (b) The parties shall file promptly with the tribunal notice in a record when a collaborative law process concludes. The stay of the proceeding under subsection (a) of this section is lifted when the notice is filed. The notice may not specify any reason for termination of the process. (c) The tribunal in which a proceeding is stayed under subsection (a) of this section may require the parties and collaborative lawyers to provide a status report on the collaborative law process and the proceeding. A status report may include only information on whether the process is ongoing or concluded. It may not include a report, assessment, evaluation, recommendation, finding, or other communication regarding a collaborative law process or collaborative law matter. (d) The tribunal may not consider a communication made in violation of subsection (c) of this section. (e) The court shall provide parties notice and an opportunity to be heard before dismissing a proceeding in which a notice of collaborative process is filed based on delay or failure to prosecute.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 6 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4007 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4007. Emergency order

During a collaborative law process, the tribunal may issue emergency orders to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, family member, or other person, in accordance with subchapter I of Chapter 10 of this title.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4006. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 7 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4008 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4008. Approval of agreement by tribunal

The tribunal may approve an agreement resulting from a collaborative law process.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4006. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 8 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4009 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4009. Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a collaborative lawyer is disqualified from appearing before the tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section and §§ 16-4010 and 16-4011, a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated is disqualified from appearing before the 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) of this section. (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 the tribunal to approve an agreement resulting from the collaborative law process; or (2) To seek or defend an emergency order to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, family member, or other person, in accordance with subchapter I of Chapter 10 of this title, if a successor lawyer is not immediately available to represent that person. (d) If subsection (c)(2) of this section applies, a collaborative lawyer, or lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may represent a party or family member only until that person is represented by a successor lawyer or reasonable measures are taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of the person.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4010, § 16-4011, § 16-4014, and § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 9 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4010 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4010. Low-income parties

(a) The disqualification of § 16-4009(a) applies to a collaborative lawyer representing a party with or without fee. (b) After a collaborative law process concludes, another lawyer in a law firm with which a collaborative lawyer disqualified under § 16-4009(a) is associated may represent a party without fee in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter if: (1) The party has an annual income that qualifies the party for free legal representation under the criteria established by the law firm for free legal representation; (2) The collaborative law participation agreement so provides; and (3) The collaborative lawyer is isolated from any participation in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter through procedures within the law firm that are reasonably calculated to isolate the collaborative lawyer from such participation.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4009, § 16-4014, and § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 10 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4011 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4011. Governmental entity as party

(a) The disqualification of § 16-4009(a) applies to a collaborative lawyer representing a party that is a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality. (b) After a collaborative law process concludes, another lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter if: (1) The collaborative law participation agreement so provides; and (2) The collaborative lawyer is isolated from any participation in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter through procedures within the law firm that are reasonably calculated to isolate the collaborative lawyer from such-participation.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4009, § 16-4014, and § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 11 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4012 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4012. Disclosure of information

Except as provided by law other than this chapter, during the collaborative law process, upon the request of another party, a party shall make timely, full, candid, and informal disclosure of information related to the collaborative matter without formal discovery. A party also shall update promptly previously disclosed information that has materially changed. The parties may define the scope of disclosure during the collaborative law process.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 12 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4013 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4013. Standards of professional responsibility and mandatory reporting not affected

This chapter does not affect: (1) The professional responsibility obligations and standards applicable to a lawyer or other licensed professional; or (2) The obligation of a person to report abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a child or adult under the law of the District of Columbia.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 13 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4014 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4014. Appropriateness of collaborative law process

Before a prospective party signs a collaborative law participation agreement, a prospective collaborative lawyer shall: (1) Assess with the prospective party factors the lawyer reasonably believes relate to whether a collaborative law process is appropriate for the prospective party’s matter; (2) Provide the prospective party with information that the lawyer reasonably believes is sufficient for the party to make an informed decision about the material benefits and risks of a collaborative law process as compared to the material benefits and risks of other reasonably available alternatives for resolving the proposed collaborative matter, such as litigation, mediation, arbitration, or expert evaluation; and (3) Advise the prospective party that: (A) If, after signing an agreement, a party initiates a proceeding or seeks intervention by the tribunal in a pending proceeding related to the collaborative matter, the collaborative law process terminates; (B) Participation in a collaborative law process is voluntary and any party has the right to terminate unilaterally a collaborative law process with or without cause; and (C) The collaborative lawyer and any lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may not appear before the tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter, except as authorized by § 16-4009(c), § 16-4010(b), or § 16-4011(b).  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 14 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4015 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4015. Coercive or violent relationship

(a) Before a prospective party signs a collaborative law participation agreement, a prospective collaborative lawyer shall make reasonable inquiry whether the prospective party has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another prospective party. (b) Throughout a collaborative law process, a collaborative lawyer reasonably and continuously shall assess whether the party the collaborative lawyer represents has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another party. (c) If a collaborative lawyer reasonably believes that the party the lawyer represents or the prospective party who consults the lawyer has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another party or prospective party, the lawyer may not begin or continue a collaborative law process unless: (1) The party or the prospective party requests beginning or continuing the process; and (2) The collaborative lawyer reasonably believes that the safety of the party or prospective party can be protected adequately during the process.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4020. Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 15 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.
DC Code § 16-4016 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 40 - Collaborative Law; Uniform Act|§ 16-4016. Confidentiality of collaborative law communication

A collaborative law communication is confidential to the extent agreed by the parties in a signed record or as provided by law of the District of Columbia other than this chapter.  (May 9, 2012, D.C. Law 19-125, § 2(b), 59 DCR 1928.)  Editor's Notes Uniform Law: This section is based on § 16 of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.