TALLAHASSEE — Titusville attorney Lillian Clover has been suspended from the practice of law by the Florida Supreme Court as the result of her alleged violation of a court order in a paternity matter.
Clover was hired to represent a man in a paternity suit against his ex-wife. The attorney, on behalf of the husband, requested the mother’s medical records to use in the proceedings. The courts approved the petition under the circumstance that the records remained sealed. However, Clover allegedly violated this order by opening the medical records and presenting police with the information provided within, which led to the mother’s arrest.
In lieu of Clover’s alleged violation, she was charged in contempt of court by a circuit court judge, which the attorney appealed. On Aug. 5, an appeals court upheld the contempt charge, and on Aug. 18, Clover requested a rehearing. The court denied her request in September, and disciplinary proceedings began.
According to the Supreme Court judgment, Clover will be suspended for a period of 90 days, which took effect 30 days after the February order was given. The 30-day time period to notify clients and opposing counsel could have been waived in the event that Clover could provide proof that she is no longer practicing or accepting new clients. Clover will need to complete Florida State Ethics School, according to the court order. In addition, the attorney will be responsible for all court costs, which at the time of filing were $1,352.60.
The Brevard County attorney has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2005. She is a graduate of the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and has one prior record of discipline, a suspension in 2015 which stemmed from her trust accounting practices.