The lawyer’s job was to clearly express the child’s wishes to the court. 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. These are some of the reasons parents give:
Lawyers acting for children must explain the child’s opinion to the judge and not give their own opinions. This is true even if the child is being influenced by the parents. The role of lawyers who represent young or immature children is unclear. In these situations, lawyers must
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. In these circumstances, a judge will decide whether or not the child needs a lawyer.
You may need to do some networking first, talking to your professors and attending conferences and seminars. Places that offer child attorney jobs include nonprofit law centers, public defender firms, social services, bar organizations and private law firms. Include references and have a polished resume with relevant work experience.
A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters.
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.
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.
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.
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.