The order appointing an attorney to represent a child in a child custody action pursuant to Rule 1915.11 shall be in substantially the following form: (Caption) ORDER OF COURT AND NOW, THIS day of , 20 , it is hereby ordered as follows: Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.11, is appointed as attorney for the minor child (D.O.B. ) in connection with the civil proceedings related to the cus- tody of the minor child. Counsel for the child shall zealously represent the legal interests of the child as any other client in an attorney-client relationship and shall not act as the child’s guardian ad litem or best interests attor- ney. The child’s attorney shall not be called to testify and communications between the child’s attor- ney and the child shall be privileged, consistent with the attorney-client relationship. It is ordered and decreed that all relevant schools, police departments, hospitals and social service agencies, including home and school agencies who have records, reports and/or information pertain- ing to the child relevant to the custody of the child, shall allow the child’s attorney access to all files and records in its possession, custody or control and shall cooperate in responding to all relevant inquires. These files/records may include but are not limited to medical, psychological or psychiatric charts including evaluations and progress notes and records, X-rays, photographs, tests, test evalua- tions, intake and discharge summaries, police records, and school records including report cards, edu- cational assessments and educational plans, relevant to this custody dispute and/or relevant to any special needs or requirements of the child. The child’s attorney shall have the right to copy any part of the files and records maintained in connection with the child. It is further ordered and decreed that the child’s attorney shall be permitted to see and speak with the child, and family, medical and/or social service providers connected with this case, and take all steps appropriate to and consistent with this order. The fees for the child’s attorney shall be paid as follows: This appointment shall terminate upon the entry of a final order resolving the petition pending as of the date of this order or as provided in subsequent order of court. BY THE COURT: J.
Rule 1915.19.Form of Order Appointing Counsel for the Child.
Adopted August 1, 2013 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1915.19 supplies the form of the order appointing an attorney to represent a child in a custody case under Rule 1915.11.
Full Text of Rule 1915.19
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the order that gives a child legal representation. It is the standardized form the court uses to appoint an attorney for the child under Rule 1915.11, defining the attorney's role. A set form ensures the appointment and the attorney's duties are clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form appoints a lawyer for a child in custody?
The order appointing counsel for the child provided by Rule 1915.19.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1915.19 adopted August 1, 2013, effective September 3, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 4702.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: order appointing child counselchild attorney appointment formcounsel for child custody