(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-647, a collaborative lawyer is disqualified from appearing before a 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 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-647, 1-650, and 1-651, a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated is disqualified from appearing before a 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 to do any of the following:

(1) To ask a tribunal to approve an agreement resulting from the collaborative law process.

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(2) To seek or defend an emergency order in either a pending or newly filed proceeding to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, or otherwise preserve the status quo.

(d) If subdivision (c)(2) of this section applies, a collaborative lawyer, or lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may continue to represent a party:

(1) Until the party is represented by a successor lawyer or for no more than 30 days after the date any action is taken under subdivision (c)(2) of this section, whichever occurs first; or

(2) If the parties consent to continue the collaborative law process subject to any emergency order which may have been entered, in which event, any proceeding as referenced in subdivision (c)(2) of this section shall be stayed as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-646 (2020-65, s. 1.)