Legal Question in Family Law in California
If a minor child over the age of 12 is in an unhealthy family environment and desires to petition the court for the appoinment of a specific guardian (one who is related and has lived with the child over the last 6 years), will the court automatically appoint a public defender to represent/prepare the child's case?
Asked on 5/06/10, 9:24 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony Roach
Law Office of Anthony A. Roach
Actually, what the court appoints is not a public defender. A public defender is assigned to criminal cases, representing parties accused of crimes who qualify because they are indigent. What the court usually appoints in a family law situation is what is known as "minor's counsel."
Answered on 5/12/10, 7:55 am