Legal Question in Family Law in California
In Family Court, I am attempting to speak for the respondent (at his request). The Court was unwilling to listen to me speak for the respondent. He is a very poor public speaker, and often stumbles over what he is trying to say. I have no such impediments to public speaking and , in essence, am attempting to act as his interpreter.
My question is, Can I compel the court to allow me to speak for my friend, the respondent?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Unless you are an attorney licensed to practice law in this state, no, you cannot speak for another person before the court. And no, there is no standing for you to compel the court to do anything in this situation. Your friend must represent himself pro per, or he has to hire an attorney to do it for him.
Ms. Bridgford is right. The court is not going to allow you to be an "interpreter" unless the respondent actually speaks a foreign language.
The previous answers are correct, I would just add that even if the other person does not speak English, you would have to be a court certified interpreter.
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