San Diego Minors’ Counsel
Lawyer Representing Minors in San Diego Family Law Proceedings
Most parents believe they know what is best for their children. Generally, this may be true in many situations. However, where conflict is high between parents in child custody cases, overriding emotions can highjack reason and good judgment. In such highly-charged cases, it can be difficult for parents and judges to determine what is best for the child. To clarify the matter, judges can appoint an independent lawyer to represent their child’s best interests. Such an attorney is known as a minor’s counsel. This representation has been established under California family law. Attorneys appointed for this purpose must fulfill court requirements.
Attorney Nadine Sayegh of The Law Offices of Nadine M. Sayegh has acted as the minor’s counsel for the courts in many cases involving divorce and child custody proceedings. She has been qualified for this role. Furthermore, as a Family Law Specialist certified by the California Bar, she has achieved the highest professional status in her field in the state. Her level of expertise, experience, and ethical standards are considered to be superior, making her an excellent choice for the representation of children in family law disputes. Ms. Sayegh is currently accepting Minor’s Counsel cases. If you believe your children could benefit from representation, we urge you to discuss this with the other parent or request the judge on your case to appoint her immediately.
The Role of the Minor’s Counsel in California Family Law
The minor’s counsel’s job is to represent the best interests of the child in determining child custody. This attorney represents the child solely and does not act in any way on behalf of either parent. His or her role is to independently determine what would be best for the child and, if the child is mature enough to have a valid opinion, what the child’s preference would be in terms of custody arrangements.
A minor’s counsel has the authority to gather information about the child through many avenues, such as:
- Direct discussions with the child without parental presence
- School records
- Medical records
- Interviews with teachers, coaches, doctors, and any other persons relevant to the child’s life
- Requests for physical and/or psychological exams by professionals
Once the investigation into the child’s life and activities is complete, the minor’s counsel submits a report to the court for review. This report will contain the findings of the investigation, can raise concerns about any aspect of what has been found, and report what the minor’s counsel believes to be in the child’s best interests. Because this report and its suggestions are based on a thorough and independent investigation into the child’s life free of parental influence or opinion, courts generally give them considerable significance in deciding custody disputes.
A minor’s counsel can only be appointed by a judge. However, as a parent, you can request the court to appoint one for your child or you and your spouse can make a formal agreement to have one appointed for your child. The lawyer you request for this service or the one appointed by the court cannot represent both you and your child; a minor’s counsel must be a separate attorney for the child only.
At The Law Offices of Nadine M. Sayegh, our attorney can act as a minor’s counsel. We can also provide you with advice or guidance on whether or not you should request this service after a review of your circumstances. We serve all of San Diego County, Including 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, San Marcos, Carlsbad, & Escondido.
Book an appointment to speak with our San Diego minors’ counsel lawyer by contacting The Law Offices of Nadine M. Sayegh online or by calling (858) 834-1499.
“Nadine was extremely thorough and efficient throughout my case. In addition, she kept me informed the whole time.”
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Call us today at 858-834-1499 or fill out our form to schedule a consultation with our experienced, caring and compassionate legal team.