Could a lawyer use a contingent fee in a domestic-relations matter after final dissolution with no support issues left?

Short answer The opinion answered yes on the stated facts that dissolution was final and neither alimony nor child support remained at issue.

Bar

MOLEC

Issued

1993

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 1993. Ask about yours and see what the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.

How much weight this carries: Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30, formal opinions are binding; informal opinions are advisory. Source.

About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official ethics opinion. The original opinion (linked on this page) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

Plain-English summary

A lawyer asked about a contingent fee in a domestic-relations case after the dissolution order was final and neither alimony nor child support remained unresolved.

The opinion answered yes on those facts without further explanation or a numbered rule.

Currency note

This 1993 opinion predates Missouri's 2007 amendments to its Rules of Professional Conduct. An official reference note identifies July 1, 2007 amendments to Rules 4-1.9 and 4-1.10. Subsequent rule amendments or later opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it.

Common questions

Q: Was the dissolution final?

A: Yes. The question specified a final dissolution order.

Q: Were support issues still in the case?

A: No. Neither alimony nor child support remained at issue.

Q: What did the opinion answer?

A: Yes, to a contingent fee on those facts.

Background and rules framework

The opinion addressed a contingent-fee arrangement after the dissolution and support issues specified in the question had ended. It cited no numbered rule.

Source

Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/930101/

Original opinion text

Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.

QUESTION: May attorney take a domestic relations case on a contingent fee basis where the order granting the dissolution is final and neither alimony nor child support remain as issues? ANSWER: Yes.

What do the rules say today, for your facts?

This opinion is from 1993. Ezel checks the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct against your situation and cites the rules it relies on.

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