what to ask child appointed lawyer

File the form called “Application for Appointment of Counsel For Parent of Minor Child Guardianship of Minor" to ask the court to appoint a lawyer. This form tells the court you cannot afford a lawyer so you need the court to appoint a lawyer for you. Then the state will pay the lawyer.

Full Answer

How do I get a court appointed lawyer for my child?

The court will appoint a lawyer for your child if the judge decides your child needs one. In cases where you, your child, or someone else asks the court to appoint a guardian for your child, and your income is so low you cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to a court-appointed lawyer.

What happens if a child talks to the appointed Attorney?

It will make the child feel pressured and will usually result in negative consequences when the court finds out about it. Also, each time the child meets with or speaks with the appointed attorney, no one should question the child afterward about what was said.

Who decides a child will have a lawyer?

Who Decides a Child Will Have a Lawyer Judges can appoint a lawyer if they think this is necessary to protect the child's interests. Judges can do this on the request of one of the parents or on their own. Children can decide on their own that they need a lawyer. A lawyer will intervene in the parents' conflict on behalf of the child.

What should I do if my child is in court?

You may want to gather photos and important documents, like the child’s report cards or medical or other records, that will help the court-appointed attorney understand the child’s situation—but, make sure that you have cleared it with your own attorney before sharing any documents or photos.

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

What questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What are some of the reasons children should have counsel appointed for them?

Minor's counsel may be appropriate under the California court rules where: There is high conflict or extended legal history between the parents. The dispute is causing the child stress. There is information available about the child's best interests that is not likely to be presented by either parent.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

How do you know if your lawyer is working for you?

Check your lawyer on legal sites such as Avvo or nolo, as well as on general sites like Google Places and Yelp! to see what other clients have to say. Search peer-review online databases such as martindale.com to see comments and opinions from other lawyers. 5. Get another lawyer's opinion.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What age can a child decide which parent to live with?

In special circumstances, a court may consider a child as young as 10 years old sufficiently mature enough to meaningfully contribute to decisions about her welfare. The over-riding factor is the best interests of the Child.

Who pays for minor's counsel in California?

The court will decide who pays Minor's Counsel fees when they appoint Minor's Counsel. In some cases, the court may require one parent to pay all the fees. In other cases, the fees might be split between both parents.

Who pays for minors 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.