The Supreme Court has created a procedure for an attorney to appear in a limited manner in civil proceedings.

Acting December 7 in Case No. SC2023-0361, the court adopted Rule of Civil Procedure 1.041, authorizing lawyers to file a notice limiting the attorney’s appearance to particular proceedings or specified matters prior to any appearance before the court.

“It also explains that during the attorney’s limited appearance, all pleadings must be served on all parties, including the limited appearance attorney,” the court said. “A limited appearance attorney who receives notice of a hearing that is outside the scope of representation must file a notice stating the matter is outside the scope of representation and that the attorney will not attend the court proceeding or hearing.”