Legal Definitions - child's attorney

A child's attorney is a lawyer who is appointed by a court to represent a child during a legal action, such as a divorce, termination, or child-abuse case. The attorney owes the child the duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and competent representation.

For example, if a child is involved in a custody battle between their parents, the court may appoint a child's attorney to represent the child's best interests and ensure that their voice is heard in the legal proceedings.

The appointment of a child's attorney is a limited one, only for a specific lawsuit. This right to legal representation for children in a juvenile proceeding was mandated by the Supreme Court in 1967.

Overall, a child's attorney plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of children in legal proceedings.