In a juvenile delinquency case, all youth are entitled to an attorney. The Court will appoint an attorney for the youth, unless the youth chooses to hire a private attorney. The Court does not appoint an attorney for the parents/guardians in juvenile delinquency proceedings, but they may hire a private attorney to represent them.
In a child protective (neglect/abuse) case, a Guardian ad Litem (an attorney who represents the child’s best interests) will be appointed for all children in the case. Legal parents are entitled to an attorney to represent them in these proceedings. If you qualify financially for a court appointed attorney, the Court will assign one to you. In order to find out if you qualify for a court appointed attorney, call the Family Division at 269-983-7111 ext. 8316.