what does the child representative do?
When parents can't agree and the Family Court is concerned a child's interests are not being properly brought to its attention, it may order that a child be separately represented by a lawyer. This lawyer is called a 'Child Representative.' Representation by the Child Representative will help the Court take a decision in the best interest of your child.
Do whatever is necessary to protect the child until a final agreement is reached.
Make their own suggestions about what would be best for the child.
The Court may order a written report about a child and the child's family. A Family Court counselor, child psychologist, child psychiatrist or other expert, depending on the circumstances prepares this. The Child Representative does not prepare it.
The Child Representative and all the parties in the case will agree on the "terms of reference" for any report. "Terms of Reference" means the topics or questions the expert report will cover.
The terms will allow the expert to talk to any person they think is relevant to the topics to be covered in the report.
The report will be given to you or your lawyer and to the Child Representative.
Not asking your child questions about what was discussed at appointments with the Child Representative or other experts asked to provide reports to the Court.
When you have your own lawyer, you should not make direct contact with the Child Representative your lawyer should make all the necessary contact.
If you do not have a lawyer, you will need to communicate directly to the Child Representative. It is always best to put any concerns you have in writing. The Child Representative must tell the Court and other parties anything discussed with you about the welfare of the child.
If appropriate, explain the decision and the Court Orders to your child.
Your co-operation in making the process of child representation work is in the best interests of all concerned.