Edgartown attorney Edward W. (Peter) Vincent Jr. was suspended from practicing law on Thursday, following complaints of misuse and loss of client funds.

The suspension was issued in Supreme Judicial Court in Suffolk County on July 7.

The temporary suspension will stay in effect until disciplinary procedures are heard before the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. The next step would be the filing of charges with the board, which has the power to disbar attorneys.

Justice Francis X. Spina’s decision was expected; as the Gazette has previously reported, Mr. Vincent agreed to the petition for his suspension filed by the Office of the Bar Counsel. The petition argued “[Mr. Vincent’s] continued practice of law would pose a threat of substantial harm to clients or prospective clients.”

Two separate civil cases were filed earlier this year, one by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and the other by First American Title Insurance Company, and alleged that Mr. Vincent had absconded with money. The superior court froze Mr. Vincent’s bank accounts and attached liens totaling $700,000 to his South Water street residence and other assets.

Both cases were dismissed in April when Mr. Vincent made restitution to the parties involved.

Criminal charges are pending.

Mr. Vincent’s family home on South Water street in Edgartown was listed for sale late last month with an asking price of $2.5 million.