Rule 25-62A. Appointment of Attorney for a Minor Child

(a) The judicial authority may appoint an attorney for the minor child in any family matter.

(b) No person may be appointed as an attorney for the minor child unless he or she:

(1) Is an attorney in good standing, licensed to practice law in the state of Connecticut.

(2) Provides proof that he or she does not have a criminal record;

(3) Provides proof that he or she does not appear on the Department of Children and Families' central registry of child abuse and neglect;

(4) Completes a minimum of twenty hours of preservice training as determined by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters;

(5) Meets any additional qualifications established by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters; and

(6) Applies, provides proof of the foregoing items and is approved as eligible to serve as an attorney for the minor child by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters.

(c) The status of all individuals deemed eligible to be appointed as an attorney for the minor child in family matters shall be reviewed by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters every three years. To maintain eligibility, individuals must:

(1) Certify that they have completed twelve hours of relevant training within the past three years, three hours of which must be in ethics;

(2) Disclose any changes to their criminal history;

(3) Certify that they do not appear on the Department of Children and Families' central registry of child abuse and neglect; and

(4) Meet additional qualifications as determined by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters.

(d) The judicial authority may order compensation for services rendered by a court-appointed attorney for the minor child.

Committee Notes

amended June 24, 2016, to take effect Jan. 1, 2017.)