What must a lawyer do if some of the property or funds they possess are in dispute with a client?

Hypo 1: Bob represents Sam in a personal injury case that settles for $100,000. Bob's fee is 30%, but Sam disputes this, claiming they agreed to 25%. Result: Bob must keep the disputed 5% ($5,000) in his client trust account and can disburse the undisputed 70% ($70,000) to Sam and 25% ($25,000) to himself. The disputed $5,000 must remain in the trust account until the fee dispute is resolved.

Hypo 2: Bob is holding $50,000 in settlement funds for Sam. A third party, Tim, claims he's entitled to $20,000 of those funds due to a prior lien. Sam disputes Tim's claim. Result: Bob must keep the disputed $20,000 in his client trust account and can disburse the undisputed $30,000 to Sam. The $20,000 must remain separate until Sam and Tim resolve their dispute, potentially through court action.

Hypo 5: Bob is holding $100,000 for Sam from a real estate sale. The buyer claims $5,000 should be returned due to undisclosed repairs, which Sam disputes. Bob, believing the buyer is right, sends the buyer $5,000 from the funds. Result: Bob has violated Rule 1.15(e). Despite his personal belief, Bob should have kept the disputed $5,000 separate until Sam and the buyer resolved their disagreement. Bob does not have the authority to unilaterally decide the dispute.