It is established law that a lawyer for parents in family cases has important ethical duties to both their clients and the administration of justice, but what about towards the children of their adult clients? This paper focuses on addressing the unique ethical issues related to the practice of family law in general and towards children of adult clients in particular. Issues addressed include what duties do family lawyers have towards children, when do these duties arise and how are they carried out, and how are competing duties between adult clients and their children appropriately balanced? Relevant legislation, the common law, codes of conduct, and regulations are canvassed throughout the paper as part of the examination of these issues.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s 50^th Annual Refresher in Lake Louise from May 7–9^th, 2017.