Section 25-62A.Appointment of Attorney for a Minor Child

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis section lets the court appoint an attorney for the minor child in any family matter, and requires Connecticut licensure, no criminal record, no child abuse registry listing, twenty hours of preservice training and committee approval, reviewed every three years.

Full Text of Section 25-62A

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c) (d)

(a) The judicial authority may appoint an attorney for the minor child in any family matter.

(b) No person may be appointed as an attorney for the minor child unless he or she:

(1) Is an attorney in good standing, licensed to practice law in the state of Connecticut.

(2) Provides proof that he or she does not have a criminal record;

(3) Provides proof that he or she does not appear on the Department of Children and Families’ central registry of child abuse and neglect;

(4) Completes a minimum of twenty hours of preservice training as determined by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters;

(5) Meets any additional qualifications established by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters; and

(6) Applies, provides proof of the foregoing items and is approved as eligible to serve as an attorney for the minor child by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters.

(c) The status of all individuals deemed eligible to be appointed as an attorney for the minor child in family matters shall be reviewed by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters every three years. To maintain eligibility, individuals must:

(1) Certify that they have completed twelve hours of relevant training within the past three years, three hours of which must be in ethics;

(2) Disclose any changes to their criminal history;

(3) Certify that they do not appear on the Department of Children and Families’ central registry of child abuse and neglect; and

(4) Meet additional qualifications as determined by the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters.

(d) The judicial authority may order compensation for services rendered by a court-appointed attorney for the minor child.

End

Amendment History

(Adopted June 20, 2011, to take effect Jan. 1, 2012; amended June 24, 2016, to take effect Jan. 1, 2017.)

Plain-English Summary

The judicial authority may appoint an attorney for the minor child in any family matter. Unlike a guardian ad litem, this appointee must be a lawyer: an attorney in good standing licensed to practise law in Connecticut.

The remaining requirements track the guardian ad litem section. The person must provide proof of no criminal record and of not appearing on the Department of Children and Families’ central registry of child abuse and neglect; complete a minimum of twenty hours of preservice training as the standing committee determines; meet any additional qualifications the committee establishes; and apply, prove all of it, and be approved as eligible by the committee.

Eligibility is reviewed every three years, on the same terms: twelve hours of relevant training within the past three years, three of them in ethics; disclosure of any change in criminal history; certification of absence from the registry; and any additional qualifications.

The judicial authority may order compensation for services rendered by a court-appointed attorney for the minor child.

The distinction between this appointment and a guardian ad litem is worth keeping in view: an attorney for the minor child represents the child as a client, while a guardian ad litem — who need not be a lawyer — speaks to the child’s best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be appointed attorney for a minor child in Connecticut?

An attorney in good standing licensed to practise law in Connecticut who has met the criminal record, registry, training, and committee approval requirements.

What is the difference between a guardian ad litem and an attorney for the minor child?

The attorney for the minor child must be a lawyer and represents the child; a guardian ad litem is not required to be an attorney and may be a family relations counselor or a licensed mental health professional.

How often must eligibility be renewed?

Every three years, certifying twelve hours of relevant training within the past three years, three hours of which must be in ethics.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 25-62A). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. · Official source

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