When a child may have their own lawyer
A child who has sufficient understanding may choose a lawyer or ask the judge to have one appointed. There is no automatic age threshold: the assessment concerns the child's maturity and ability to understand the proceedings.
Where the child's interests require it, the children's judge requests the appointment of a lawyer for a child with sufficient understanding. For a child who does not have that level of understanding, French law provides for an ad hoc representative where the child's interests so require. The parents may instruct a different lawyer for their own position.
The first meeting with the child
The first task is to explain who brought the case, what is being discussed and which decisions are possible. The lawyer adapts the explanation to the child's age and checks what the child has understood, without asking them to choose between the adults around them.
Useful material for the meeting includes the summons, any orders already received and the child's questions. The child can discuss their home, school, health, family relationships and what they would like to change. The lawyer agrees with the child which matters should be put before the judge.
Reviewing the child protection case file
From the opening of the proceedings, the child's lawyer may inspect the case file at the court registry until the day before an interview or hearing. The file may contain the originating application, educational reports, investigation material, earlier orders and written observations.
The lawyer may obtain copies solely for use in the child protection proceedings but may not give those copies to the child. The lawyer instead explains the relevant material, identifies disputed facts and prepares a clear response that remains faithful to the child's position.
The lawyer's role at the hearing and after the order
At the hearing, the judge hears the child, the parents, the person or service caring for the child and anyone else whose evidence may be useful. The judge may excuse the child from attending or ask the child to leave for part of the hearing. The lawyer then makes submissions about the child's own rights and views.
After the hearing, the lawyer explains the measure, its duration, contact arrangements and available remedies. Practical checklist: keep the order and its envelope, record when it was received, identify every term that directly concerns the child and report any difficulty in implementing it promptly.
Discuss your situation
You can send the firm the essential facts, relevant dates and any known deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Is the child's lawyer also the parents' lawyer?
No. The child's lawyer acts for the child. Parents who want advice or representation need their own lawyer.
Does the lawyer make the decision for the child?
No. The lawyer advises the child, helps them understand the available options and presents their views. The protection decision is made by the judge in the child's interests.