what does a children's lawyer do

by Celine Borer 4 min read

The Children's Lawyer determines what services, if any, will be provided, and can assign:

  • a lawyer to represent the child
  • a clinician to write a report for the court
  • lawyer and a clinical investigator to represent the child and a clinician.

Child advocate attorneys work to protect the rights of minors in cases involving divorce, child custody, neglect or abuse, and juvenile court proceedings. Courts will appoint a child advocate attorney in the following circumstances: Neglect or abuse of the minor. Contested child custody proceedings.

Full Answer

What is a children’s lawyer?

Child advocate attorneys work to protect the rights of minors in cases involving divorce, child custody, neglect or abuse, and juvenile court proceedings. Courts will appoint a child advocate attorney in the following circumstances: Neglect or abuse of the minor Contested child custody proceedings Adoptions Termination of parental rights Visitation

What is the role of a lawyer in a family court?

Mar 07, 2019 · What does the Independent Children’s Lawyer do? The Independent Children’s Lawyer will present information to the court about your child’s welfare and views. Each child’s case is different but generally before making a submission to the court, the Independent Children’s Lawyer will: Read all the affidavits. 1; Examine any subpoenaed 2 documents.

What does a child advocate attorney do?

Sep 10, 2020 · The Independent Children's Lawyer then applies family law cases and law to all this information. While each case is different, the lawyer may look at past similar cases to decide what submission to make to the court. It is important to remember that the Independent Children's Lawyer will follow the law. With the evidence and this information, the Independent Children's …

What does the independent children's lawyer do at a court hearing?

Specific duties depend on the area in which a lawyer specializes. Family Law Attorneys. In family law, attorneys may devote significant attention to negotiating divorce agreements or handling adoption proceedings. They may also negotiate child support and child custody agreements. Criminal Defense Attorney

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A lawyer is a professional who is trained in the law . A lawyer gives advice on legal matters and applies the law to specific cases.

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Overview

  • The Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) is an independent law office in the Ministry of the Attorney General that delivers justice programs on behalf of children. We employ lawyers and clinicians (usually social workers) and retain fee-for-service lawyers and clinicianswho act on behalf of the office throughout Ontario. We represent the interests of a child under the age of 1…
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Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility

  • In cases involving parenting time, contact and decision-making responsibility for a child, the court may need information about the child’s views, preferences and circumstances. Decision-making responsibility refers to the right and authority to make significant decisions about a child’s life and well-being about issues such as education, medical treatment and religious upbringing. Parentin…
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Child Protection

  • Child protection cases usually start when a child protection agency believes a child needs protection because of abuse and/or neglect. A child protection agency, often referred to as a children’s aid society (CAS), may: 1. remove a child from their family and take them to a place of safety, or 2. ask the court for an order to leave or place a child with a parent, family member or c…
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Civil Cases

  • Civil cases include: 1. personal injury 2. motor vehicle accidents 3. medical malpractice In civil cases, children under the age of 18 cannot sue or be sued in their own name. The only exception is a child can sue in Small Claims Court for $500 or less. Otherwise, they need a litigation guardian, which is a person who makes decisions for a minor in a court proceeding. A litigation …
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Estates and Trusts

  • The Office of the Children’s Lawyer may act on behalf of children under 18 in cases where a child may receive money or property. The child might be entitled to money or property if they are: 1. named as a beneficiary in a will or trust 2. named as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a registered plan 3. a beneficiary of an estate under the law because the deceased died without a …
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Managing A Child’S Money and Property

  • If a child is entitled to receive money over $35,000, it will be paid into court and managed by the Accountant of the Superior Court of Justiceexcept where: 1. a person is named as the trustee of the child’s money in a legal document such as a will or beneficiary designation 2. a person has been appointed guardian of the child’s property by a judge The OCLrepresents a child’s interests …
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Minors’ Funds Program

  • If a child’s money has been paid into the court and the parent or caregiver needs money for the child’s direct benefit, the parent can request a payment out of the court through the Office of the Children Lawyer’s Minors’ Funds Program. Learn more about how to request your child’s money through the Minors’ Funds Program.
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Empanelment Opportunities

  • If you are a lawyer or clinician, learn how you can apply to provide services on behalf of children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.
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Contact

  • Office of the Children's Lawyer 393 University Avenue, 14th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Email: OCL.Inquiries@ontario.ca Tel: 416-314-8000 Fax: 416-314-8050 For information about how you serve documents on the Office of the Children's Lawyer. For concerns or feedback about the services of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer or one of its panel members, contact OCL.Compla…
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Overview

  • In a family law matter, the court may ask the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) to help when parties can’t agree on: 1. how much time children will spend with each of them (this is called parenting time) 2. the contact the children will have with a specific person, like a grandparent 3. who has the authority to make decisions for a child (this is called, decision-making responsibility…
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Request The Office of The Children’s Lawyer

  • If your parenting time, decision-making responsibility and/or contactcase is before the court, you can ask the judge to make an order to request the involvement of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.
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Requesting A Review of The Decision

  • If we have declined to provide service, you may send us a letter asking us to reconsider. The letter should state: 1. why you think we should be involved in your case 2. if you have any new information 3. if circumstances have changed since you completed the intake form Also send a copy of this letter to any other lawyers in the case or directly to the other parent or party, if he or …
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Family Law Court Process

  • The child’s best interests
    The OCL does not decide what is in the child’s best interests. When making that decision, the courtwill consider: 1. any evidence that is presented in the hearing 2. the position of the parents and any other parties 3. the position taken by the Office of the Children’s Lawyer counsel on beh…
  • The child’s wishes
    The child’s wishes are one factor that the court considers when determining what is in the child’s best interests. The weight the court gives to the child’s wishes depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. The court must consider all the child’s needs and circumstances, i…
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