Lawyers can be appointed for infants under family law
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Feb, 26, 2019 | Family Law
Many parents don’t realize that a family court can appoint a lawyer for their infant children. Under family law in British Columbia and other provinces in the country, a lawyer for children can be appointed when child protection is an issue. There are times when the parents’ consent is not required, especially when the children are involved in contentious divorce or custody proceedings.
Children have certain rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Those rights include a right to life, health, development and education; to be treated fairly and respectfully; to have caretakers do what is in their best interests and the right to have their views respected and considered. A lawyer’s job when representing an infant is to give a judge pertinent information, allowing a judge to decide what’s best for the child.
Babies are just as susceptible to the stress from their environments as adults are. Any disruption in their routines can wreak havoc. A lawyer representing an infant will be cognizant of these issues and will strive to objectively present evidence to the court keeping the best interests of the child in the forefront.
A British Columbia family law lawyer can provide advice when it comes to child protection issues. A parent who is involved in a child protection matter should seek the advice of a lawyer experienced in custody matters. He or she will have the resources to help educate a client who, in turn, can help uphold his or her children’s best interests.