Who has the authority to waive confidentiality?

The authority to waive confidentiality primarily rests with the client. This is because confidentiality is established to protect the client's privacy and sensitive information, creating a safe space for them to discuss their financial concerns freely. The client has the ultimate control over their information and can choose to share it with others if they deem it necessary.

In the context of financial counseling, this means that if a client wishes for certain information to be disclosed to a third party, such as a family member or financial institution, they must provide explicit consent to do so. This principle respects the autonomy and control that clients have over their personal financial matters.

Though counselors, supervisors, and legal representatives may play roles in understanding or managing confidentiality, they do not possess the authority to unilaterally waive it without the client's permission. Therefore, recognizing the client's right to manage their own information is crucial in any counseling relationship.