at what age can a child have their own lawyer

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for my child?

These are some of the reasons parents give: The child does not need a lawyer. The child's request for a lawyer is not really coming from the child but from the other parent, who is manipulating the child. The child is very young, and there is a better way to protect the child's interests.

Can children give their opinions by having a lawyer represent them?

Can children give their opinions by having a lawyer represent them in a conflict between their parents? The parents are so busy with their own issues that they are not aware of what the child wants and needs, or they cannot impartially decide what is best for the child. A representative is needed to protect the child’s interests.

Why did the judge want the child to talk to the lawyer?

The judge wanted the child to talk to the lawyer about what exactly was upsetting her. The lawyer was appointed to act on the child’s behalf, independently from the parents. One of the parents may not want a child to have a lawyer.

Why do I need a lawyer for a child custody case?

A representative is needed to protect the child’s interests. The child is old enough and mature enough, and wants to give an opinion to the judge. It is in in the child’s best interests to be involved and to have a lawyer. Judges can appoint a lawyer if they think this is necessary to protect the child’s interests.

What is it called when your a lawyer for kids?

link. The court can appoint a lawyer to act either as your child's attorney (called an Attorney for the Minor Child or AMC) or as your child's guardian ad litem (GAL).

Can a child hire a lawyer in Ontario?

In Ontario, children 18 years of age and older have the right to be represented by lawyers who act according to the children's wishes. Those children under the age of 18 who are in need of protection, are given the right to legal representation under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act of Ontario.

Is Minor's counsel a good thing?

No matter how long a trial takes, that evidence is limited by the parents' priorities and their attorneys' access to information (some of which is often confidential). A minor's counsel can assist the court by bringing to light information and evidence that would otherwise never make it to the courthouse.

What is minor counsel?

Minor's counsel is a non-biased voice for a child in a family law matter. This protects the minor's well-being and does not force a child to take sides with their parents.

Can a lawyer represent family?

Should a lawyer represent a family member? The answer to the first question is a qualified yes. Courts do not typically intervene in allowing a family litigant to choose their lawyer, just as they generally don't interfere with litigants who represent themselves.

Can you sue a minor in Canada?

A young person cannot begin a lawsuit without the assistance of an adult person. The adult who helps the young person is called a Litigation Guardian in the Supreme Court and Small Claims Court Rules. A Litigation Guardian must be over the age of nineteen, and must live in British Columbia.

Who pays for minor's counsel in California?

Minor's counsel only represents the child. The county might pay for the representation if the parents can't afford to pay themselves but usually the court requires one or both parents to pay the fees. Once assigned, the attorney continues to represent the minor until the child reaches the age of 18.

Can you get a court appointed attorney for child custody in California?

Many parents wonder whether they can get a court-appointed attorney for child custody matters in California, whether in court or mediation. Short answer, no. California courts can appoint attorneys to represent minor children, but a judge cannot appoint an attorney to parents in child custody disputes.