CHAPTER 155. SETTLEMENT WEEKS - Texas Statutes

CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE

TITLE 7. ALTERNATE METHODS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION

CHAPTER 155. SETTLEMENT WEEKS

Sec. 155.001. SETTLEMENT WEEKS REQUIRED. In every county with a

population of 150,000 or greater there shall be a settlement week

during law week and judicial conference week each year or during

any other two weeks as the administrative judge of each judicial

district may designate. During these weeks the district courts,

constitutional and statutory county courts, and the family law

courts will facilitate the voluntary settlement of civil and

family law cases.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.005, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 155.002. SETTLEMENT WEEK COMMITTEE. The administrative

judge of each judicial district shall appoint a committee of

attorneys and lay persons to effectuate each settlement week.

The committee may include the director of any established

mediation or alternative dispute resolution center in the county

and the chairperson of the local bar association's committee on

alternative dispute resolution.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.006, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 155.003. ATTORNEY TO SERVE AS MEDIATOR. Any attorney

currently licensed in the state may serve as mediator during the

settlement weeks under such terms and conditions and with such

training as may be determined by the administrative judge of the

judicial district. Any such attorney so appointed by the court

must meet the qualifications and will be governed by the rules of

conduct set forth in Sections 154.052 and 154.053. Any attorney

so requested by the administrative judge of the judicial district

shall serve as a mediator during the settlement weeks.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.007, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 155.004. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN ALTERNATE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES. The provisions of Sections 154.021

through 154.023, 154.053, 154.054, and 154.071 through 154.073

shall apply to parties and mediators participating in settlement

weeks held under this chapter.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.008, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 155.005. AUTHORITY OF COURT. Each court participating in

settlement weeks under this chapter shall have the authority to

make orders needed, consistent with existing law, to implement

settlement weeks and ensure any party's good faith participation.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.009, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 155.006. FUNDING; COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

The administrative judge may use any available funding from funds

regularly used for court administration to carry out the purpose

and intent of this chapter. The administrative judge shall

cooperate with the director of any established mediation or

alternative dispute resolution center, the local bar, and other

organizations to encourage participation and to develop public

awareness of settlement weeks.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1211, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 5.010, eff. September 1, 2009.