minor conflict of interest question

I don't think there's a conflict of interest issue here, but just curious for anyone's thoughts -

Turns out that my spouse knows professionally a business owner that has been referred to me. Is that something that would typically be disclosed up front?

Without taking time to look up "the rules" - I think it might depend on facts and circumstances. If your spouse is the client's CPA, or the client's investment advisor, for example, then I'd say yes - even if not necessarily required, likely a good idea. If your spouse is the client's veterinarian, then I'd say no. But you can always "over disclose" if there's any doubt - doesn't hurt anything. Just my gut response.

Thanks - there's no business or contractual relationship between them, just they have completely different roles within a certain industry and so they encounter each other.

3 hours ago, TPApril said:

Thanks - there's no business or contractual relationship between them, just they have completely different roles within a certain industry and so they encounter each other.

I don't think there's a conflict of interest. But there might be concern about disclosure at home (ie pillow talk) and it would be a good idea (IMHO) to disclose it up front and let your client know that it's not uncommon for those relationships to exist and that nobody ever gets information on anyone.

My wife interviewed and got a job at an employer that was my client.  My last name is common, so client was none the wiser.  When my wife told me she got the job, I told her that it was my client and she disclosed to them.  We all worked together for eight years until my wife quit.  A few months later, my firm was left go.  That's the way it goes.