(Last Updated On: October 31, 2021)

What is an Independent children’s Lawyer? An Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) is a lawyer hired by the child custody to act on behalf of children in instances involving parental orders.

An Independent Children’s Lawyer advocates for the child’s best interest and ensures that they are at the forefront of any matters regarding custody options. The Independent Child’s Lawyer represents no one in the case.

They are not required to do what your child asks them to do or follow their orders on what decision to deliver in court. So how an independent children lawyers work? 

Let’s find out in the following part of the article.

What does the Independent Children’s Lawyer do?

An Independent Children’s Lawyer represents all the information to the court about a child’s welfare and views. He then uses all of this information to family court matters and the legislation.

While each case is unique, the Lawyer may consult previous similar instances to determine what submission to submit to the court. It is critical to note that the Independent Children’s Lawyer will strictly adhere to legislation – for example, child support lawyers in Winnipeg.

Every child’s case matter is different, but generally, before submitting to the court, the Independent Children’s Lawyer will:

  • Study all the affidavits(1)
  • Examine any subpoenaed (2) documents
  • Talk to the child
  • Talk to family and other relevant people, including doctors, teachers, psychologists, or counselors, to aid details their opinion to the court.
  • Listen, understand and consider the proof if a case goes to hearing. 

N.B: Not all information is proof – the Lawyer can only rely on evidence (3).

Let’s clarify the terms mentioned above and their definitions:

  1. Affidavit: a written declaration intended to be used as evidence in the court, affirmed by oath.
  2. A subpoena: a signed document for someone to disclose evidence or produce documents in their custody to a court.
  3. Evidence: any information that confirms or disconfirms an accusation in any way.

The Impartial Children’s Lawyer will make an independent opinion on the kid’s advantages based on the facts and information to submit to the court. Any opinions given by your kid will also communicate to the court.

What can I do to help my children if an ICL is appointed?

Unless your children are under the age of the school, the ICL will usually want to offer them the opportunity to talk with them.

As a parent, you may assist your kids by doing the following:

  • Ensure that they join any appointments set up by the ICL or any professionals authorized by the trial
  • Assist them in contacting the ICL anytime the children choose, and allow them to speak privately, and

Remember: you should not question your child what they told the ICL or other persons submitting statements to the court.

When is an Independent Children’s Lawyer appointed?

In cases involving the following issues, an Independent Children’s Lawyer is frequently appointed:

  • There have been claims of child abuse or neglect
  • A high amount of conflict and disagreement among the parents
  • Charges of domestic violence
  • Allegations of drug addiction
  • Severe mental health problems in one or both of the parents or children
  • The controversy involves tough and intricate topics
  • Claims about the thoughts of youngsters who are strong enough to give their opinion
  • A plan to split up siblings or for one parent to relocate far away from the other parent
  • Additional mash-ups of challenging and complex problems

Anyone involved in the hearings may request that the court appoint an Independent Child’s Counsel. The court will decide that is whether or not to appoint an expert child’s counsel.

When does the Independent Children’s Lawyer make a recommendation to the court?

In certain circumstances, an Expert Children’s Lawyer may know ahead of time what instructions they would obtain on the child’s behalf.

If the Independent Lawyer finds out, they will inform the family’s Lawyer or you, and if a lawyer does not handle you, this can aid in discussions.

In some situations, the best interests of the child may be uncertain, and the Independent Child’s Lawyer is often unable to issue a decision till much afterward, if at all.

Conclusion

It is not unusual for a youngster to try to speak to one parent and the other to the opposing parent to please one or both of them.

An ICL is essential in family law procedures. S/he correctly assesses what actions or solutions are in the child’s best interests. S/he also helps the court and parents select a specific plan of action to enhance the kid’s long-term interests.

Very significantly, it allows the kid to participate in choice and facilitates their engagement in procedures when judged appropriate.