Connecticut Law About Representing Minors

Connecticut Law About Representing Minors
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Research Guides

Pathfinders prepared by the Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians:

Representing Minors in Connecticut (PDF)
- Section 1: Guardian Ad Litem in Connecticut
- Section 2: Attorney for the Minor Child in Connecticut
- Section 3: Removal of Guardian Ad Litem or Attorney for the Minor Child
- Section 4: Next Friend in Connecticut
Child Abuse and Neglect in Connecticut (PDF)
Rights of Minors in Connecticut (PDF)
Torts of Minors in Connecticut (PDF)

Division of Public Defender Services

OLR Research Reports - Office of Legislative Research:

Guardians Ad Litem - 2013-R-0098
You asked for a description of the training and oversight of guardians ad litem (GALs) in child neglect and related cases (juvenile court) vs. those in divorce and related cases (family court) and the rationale for these differences. You also asked (1) whether family court GALs have total immunity and, if so, why and (2) why family court GALs do not conform to their state practice guidelines?

OLR Reports 2013-R-0017 and 2012-R-0416 address related issues regarding GALs in Connecticut.

Guardian Litem Appointments - 2012-R-0416
You asked several questions about guardian ad litems (GAL) assigned to represent the best interests of indigent children in Connecticut child protection matters. Your specific questions and answers follow.

Useful Websites

Connecticut Links:

Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate

Connecticut Public Acts

2012 Acts Affecting Children (Office of Legislative Research)
2011 Acts Affecting Children (Office of Legislative Research)

Connecticut Statutes

Selected Statutes:

Chapter 53. Claims Against The State

Sec. 4-165. Immunity of state officers and employees from personal liability.

Chapter 801b - Probate Court Procedures

Sec. 45a-132. Appointment of guardian ad litem for minors and incompetent, undetermined and unborn persons.

Chapter 802h. Protected Persons and Their Property (Probate Court)

Sec. 45a-620. Appointment of counsel. Appointment of Guardian ad litem to speak on behalf of best interests of minor

Chapter 815j - Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation

Sec. 46b-54. Counsel for minor children. Duties.
Sec. 46b-62. Orders for payment of attorney's fees in certain actions.

Chapter 815t - Juvenile Matters:

Sec. 46b-120. (Formerly Sec. 51-301). Definitions.
Sec. 46b-129a. Examination by physician. Appointment of counsel and guardian ad litem.
Sec. 46b-136. Appointment of attorney to represent child or youth and parent or guardian.

Connecticut Practice Book

Selected Sections:

Rules of Professional Conduct
- Rule 1.14. Client with Impaired Capacity
Chapter 25 - Procedure in Family Matters

Sec. 25-24. Motion for appointment of counsel for minor child.
Sec. 25-50. Case Management
Sec. 25-62. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem
Sec. 25-62A. Appointment of Attorney for a Minor Child

Chapter 32a. Rights of Parties � Neglected�Children and Termination of Parental Rights
- Sec. 32a-1. Right to Counsel and to Remain Silent
Chapter 44. Procedure in Criminal Matters
- Sec. 44-20. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem

Connecticut Law by Subject