Section 3-8.Appearance for Represented Party

Section 3-8 addresses appearances filed on top of an existing one. Under subsection (a), when an attorney or a self-represented party files a new appearance for a party who already has an appearance on file, the new filing has to state whether it’s in place of or in addition to the appearance already there. Section 25-6A applies when a self-represented party files an appearance in a family case in addition to one already on file.

Subsection (b) sets out detailed rules for limited appearances — ones restricted to a specific event or proceeding in a family or civil case. If that event or proceeding gets continued for any reason, it isn’t treated as completed unless the court orders otherwise. A limited appearance generally can't be filed to cover just one issue, a portion of a hearing, a set length of time, or until a fee runs out, and it can’t be filed for a firm or corporation. It must be filed in addition to any self-represented appearance the party already has on file, and once it's filed, the client can't file or serve pleadings or otherwise represent themselves on the proceeding or event the limited appearance covers. An attorney can't file a limited appearance when there's no appearance already on file for that party — unless the party files their own appearance at the same time. Limited appearances aren’t allowed in criminal or juvenile cases, except as permitted under Section 79a-3 (c) (1). Subsection (c) makes clear that the rules on parties appearing for themselves don’t apply in criminal cases.