---
title: "Classify money received into a client trust account or the lawyer's own funds"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/classify-money-received-and-the-account-it-must-be-paid-into/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A41-CO20261022-9-US"
practice_area: "Trust accounting & handling client money"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Classify money received into a client trust account or the lawyer's own funds

> From the receipt, list the amount, who paid it, whether the file describes it as client or third-person money, an advance of fees or expenses, or the lawyer's own money, and the account the practice proposes to use.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/classify-money-received-and-the-account-it-must-be-paid-into/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Trust accounting & handling client money](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the receipt, list the amount, who paid it, whether the file describes it as client or third-person money, an advance of fees or expenses, or the lawyer's own money, and the account the practice proposes to use. Do not move the money. |
| What the lawyer must review | Model Rule 1.15(a) requires property of clients or third persons in connection with a representation to be held separate from the lawyer's own property, and funds to be kept in a separate account. Rule 1.15(c) requires legal fees and expenses paid in advance to be deposited into a client trust account and withdrawn only as fees are earned or expenses incurred. Rule 1.15(b) allows the lawyer's own funds in that account only for bank service charges, and only in the amount necessary. Comment 1 says client and third-person money, including a prospective client's, is kept in one or more trust accounts. The lawyer decides the account. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Classify money received and the account it must be paid into](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/classify-money-received-and-the-account-it-must-be-paid-into.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the receipt, list the amount, who paid it, whether the file describes it as client or third-person money, an advance of fees or expenses, or the lawyer's own money, and the account the practice proposes to use. Do not move the money.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The text opened is the ABA Model Rule. The rule adopted in the lawyer's jurisdiction controls where it differs.
- The Model Rule does not use the categories of controlled money or transit money. Do not apply those categories.

## Sources

- [ABA Model Rule 1.15, Safekeeping property](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_15_safekeeping_property/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.15, Comment](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_15_safekeeping_property/comment_on_rule_1_15/) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*