CHC 1016 - Right to counsel - Louisiana Statutes

CHAPTER 5. RIGHT TO COUNSEL

Art. 1016. Right to counsel

A. The child and the parent shall each have the right to be represented by separate counsel in a termination proceeding brought under this Title. Neither the child nor anyone purporting to act on his behalf may be permitted to waive the child's right to counsel.

B. The court shall appoint a qualified, independent attorney to represent the child in such a proceeding. If attorneys are available through the Child Advocacy Program, the court shall contact the office of the program and request the assignment of an attorney who shall be appointed.

C. If the court determines that the parent is indigent and unable to employ counsel solely for that reason, an attorney shall be appointed to represent the parent in accordance with Article 320.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §10, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2004, No. 301, §1, eff. June 18, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 321, §1; Acts 2006, No. 271, §1.