FCRPP 24.Appearances

Last amended February 1, 2020 · Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceFCRPP 24 requires an attorney in a dependency case to file a written entry of appearance unless appointed by order, and to stay in the case until the court grants a motion to withdraw.

Full Text of FCRPP 24

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Any attorney appearing on behalf of a party in a dependency, neglect or abuse action shall file a written entry of appearance unless an order appointing the attorney as guardian ad litem (or by statute, counsel for the child), or court-appointed counsel has been entered. An attorney shall not withdraw from representation except upon motion to withdraw granted by the court.

End

Amendment History

Kentucky publishes each rule’s amendment record as a “HISTORY” note beneath the rule, citing the Supreme Court order that adopted or amended it and that order’s effective date. It is reproduced verbatim below.

HISTORY: Adopted by Order 2020-1, eff. 2-1-20

Plain-English Summary

Two obligations, at the beginning and the end of the representation.

Any attorney appearing on behalf of a party in a dependency, neglect or abuse action files a written entry of appearance. The exception is for lawyers whose presence is already on the record by order — a guardian ad litem, counsel for the child by statute, or court-appointed counsel — since the appointing order does the same work.

Leaving is harder than arriving. An attorney shall not withdraw from representation except upon a motion to withdraw granted by the court. In a case where a parent may face the loss of their child, counsel cannot simply stop appearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a lawyer have to file an entry of appearance in a dependency case?

Yes, unless an order appointing the attorney as guardian ad litem, counsel for the child by statute, or court-appointed counsel has already been entered.

Can my attorney withdraw from my dependency case?

Only on a motion to withdraw granted by the court.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Kentucky Family Court Rules of Procedure and Practice (Ky. FCRPP FCRPP 24). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Kentucky. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: entry of appearancewithdraw as counselguardian ad litemcourt-appointed counsel dependency