Opinion 68-2
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 68-2
April 4, 1968
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
It would be more appropriate for a legal services program in the first instance to refer parties
ineligible for participation in the program to other agencies, rather than to institute divorce
litigation on their behalf and then try to find another attorney to proceed with the litigation.
Canons:
7, 44
Chairman MacDonald stated the opinion of the committee:
An attorney employed by a legal services program, funded by the Office of
Economic Opportunity, proposes to send a letter in the form of the attached
specimen to all of the practicing attorneys in its area. We are requested to
comment as to the propriety of this letter.
In essence it appears that the legal services program intends to institute divorce
proceedings on behalf of wives, who apparently are otherwise ineligible for participation in the
legal services program because of the criteria establishing economic qualifications for this
program. Presumably this is because when the income of the prospective defendant husband is
considered in the light of the statutory requirements prevailing in Florida for payment of attorney
fees by such husband, the person is not indigent. Nevertheless, the suit would be instituted and
then the legal services program would endeavor to procure another attorney to proceed with the
matter.
There appears to be a contradiction in concept in that the letter speaks of the wife as
being “unable to secure private representation” and then thereafter speaks in terms of placing the
matter in the hands of private counsel.
This uncertainty of interpretation leads us to question whether any ethical problem is
involved, but we nevertheless feel compelled to observe that it would be more appropriate, if in
fact there are a significant number of attorneys available in the area to represent unfortunate
persons falling into the described category, for the wives to be referred in the first instance
directly to such attorney in the manner of a legal referral agency and possibly in cooperation with
the local bar association. Thus this would eliminate needless change of counsel and delay of
proceedings.
ATTACHMENT TO OPINION 68-2
Dear _____________________
In the course of our practice we have become increasingly aware of a problem which
needs remedying. We are writing you to explain the problem and seek your advice and
cooperation.
We receive many applications for assistance from wives who are in dire need of divorce,
separate maintenance or similar actions. In many instances, the husband has income sufficient to
allow him to pay an attorney, and we are unable to assist the wife. However, the wife in these
cases may be totally without resources and thus unable to secure private representation.
We are proposing a solution to this problem. In these cases we are willing to begin the
needed action from this office. Once the action is filed, the wife will be referred to a list of
attorneys who would be willing to step into the case and seek attorney’s fees from the husband.
It should be understood that we do not intend to file actions on this basis except in cases
of real need. Further, we will make no efforts to influence the client’s choice of attorney in these
matters. It is our plan to prepare a list of all attorneys in the area who have indicated a
willingness to participate in this program, and to furnish the client with a copy of this list.
Your comments on any aspect of this proposal will be appreciated, as would your reply,
on the enclosed card, as to whether or not you wish to have your name placed on such a list.
Also enclosed is a copy of an advisory opinion rendered by the Ethics Committee of The
Florida Bar.