Under what circumstances may a licensee representing a client disclose confidential information offered by that client?

Confidential information remains protected regardless of the time elapsed since it was received. There is no standard timeframe that automatically permits disclosure based on age; rather, confidentiality typically lasts until the information is no longer sensitive or is authorized for release by the client.

Information obtained from a client's spouse still falls under the umbrella of confidentiality. The licensee must respect the client's privacy regardless of the information's source, and the spouse's input does not negate the obligation to maintain confidentiality unless explicitly authorized by the client.

While the broker may have a role in the transaction, the authority to disclose confidential information ultimately lies with the client. A licensee cannot disclose client information merely based on their broker's permission unless the client has given consent for such disclosure.