83R24574 JSC-D
By: Bohac H.B. No. 3470
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3470:
By: Gooden C.S.H.B. No. 3470
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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, 2014.
(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, 2014.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.