The decision to appoint an amicus attorney is discretionary. If either side files a Motion to Appoint Amicus Attorney, the Judge will consider the arguments of both attorneys in deciding whether the assistance of an amicus attorney is helpful to the Court.
Here is an in-depth look at what that entails and how this role helps their child through divorce proceedings: What is an Amicus Attorney? An amicus attorney, unlike the attorneys representing the parties, does not have a client. Their job is to be an arm of the Court, doing the legwork to help the Judge know what is best for the child.
When custody is a disputed issue in your case, the Court has authority to appoint a lawyer to assist the Court in protecting the best interest of the child or children. This lawyer is referred to as an "amicus attorney". This week's blog post will address the role of the amicus attorney in your case.
Once the amicus attorney has completed the investigation, he or she will be ready to appear at trial, question witnesses and make a recommendation to the Court.
Generally, the Judge orders each side to pay half of the fees incurred by the amicus attorney, although the Judge will sometimes allocate the costs differently based on the income and financial stability of each party. County resources are typically not used to pay amicus attorney fees in a contested divorce or custody case.
The duty of the amicus attorney is simply to assist the Court in protecting the best interest of the children. The amicus attorney will want to meet with the children to determine their wishes, visit the homes of each party and observe the relationship and interactions between each parent and the children, and talk to other witnesses about the case (i.e. school teachers, CPS caseworkers, family friends, etc.). Once the amicus attorney has completed the investigation, he or she will be ready to appear at trial, question witnesses and make a recommendation to the Court. The opinion and recommendation of the amicus attorney is a huge factor in the outcome of the case, because the amicus attorney is a neutral party without any bias toward either parent, and is generally trusted by the Judge.
The decision to appoint an amicus attorney is discretionary. If either side files a Motion to Appoint Amicus Attorney, the Judge will consider the arguments of both attorneys in deciding whether the assistance of an amicus attorney is helpful to the Court. Occasionally, the Court, on its own motion (without either side asking for it) decides that an amicus attorney would be useful. The Judge will consider all relevant factors in making this decision (i.e. age of the children, contested issues in the case, likelihood of obtaining all relevant information from each side without the assistance of an amicus attorney).
This lawyer is referred to as an "amicus attorney". This week's blog post will address the role of the amicus attorney in your case.
The opinion and recommendation of the amicus attorney is a huge factor in the outcome of the case, because the amicus attorney is a neutral party without any bias toward either parent, and is generally trusted by the Judge.
An amicus attorney, unlike the attorneys representing the parties, does not have a client. Their job is to be an arm of the Court, doing the legwork to help the Judge know what is best for the child. They are an advocate for the child’s best interests, not for the child personally. In cases where a private (ie, ...
As a matter of summary, though, these responsibilities and duties include: Conducting interviews – In order to gain a full understanding of the case, the amicus attorney will interview the child in a manner that best matches their developmental level.
Obtaining documentation – An amicus attorney has the right to documentation from the child’s school, pediatrician, law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and any other relevant agency or person. If it is relevant in the case, the amicus attorney will request such documents. They might also run a background check on anyone involved in the case.
If it is relevant in the case, the amicus attorney will request such documents. They might also run a background check on anyone involved in the case. Whether or not an amicus attorney is right for your case is a question that you should explore with your attorney.
The amicus attorney has a wide variety of responsibilities. An Order Appointing Amicus Attorney should be signed by the Judge in each case, and the order will specifically outline the attorney’s duties and responsibilities in the case.