Sec. 1. (a) A juvenile court that conducts a proceeding under this article shall appoint a court appointed special advocate, a guardian ad litem, or both for the child before the court begins a proceeding under this article.

lawyer at desk

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 12-26-8-1

  • Attorney: includes a counselor or other person authorized to appear and represent a party in an action or special proceeding. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
     (b) An advocate is not required to be an attorney.

     (c) An attorney representing the child may be appointed as the child’s advocate.

     (d) The court may not appoint any of the following to be a child’s advocate:

(1) A party to the proceeding.

(2) An employee of a party to the proceeding.

(3) A representative of a party to the proceeding.

     (e) An advocate shall represent and protect the best interests of the child.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citations: subsection (a) formerly 16-14-9.1-5.5(a) part; subsection (b) formerly 16-14-9.1-5.5(a) part; subsection (c) formerly 16-14-9.1-5.5(a) part; subsection (d) formerly 16-14-9.1-5.5(g); subsection (e) formerly 16-14-9.1-5.5(b) part.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.20.

  Previous section
Next section  
 Chapter 8 Contents