Rule 8.Appearance of counsel

Rule 8 is two sentences and a duty that runs from the moment of retention.

The duty

Upon retention of counsel in a family court proceeding, counsel shall immediately notify the court and opposing counsel, if any, of the appearance. Not upon filing, not upon the first hearing — upon being retained.

The notification must include the attorney's current address and telephone number.

Why it is placed where it is

Rule 8 sits in Section II, so it applies to every family court action, domestic and juvenile alike. And several rules downstream depend on the court and the other side knowing who represents whom:

• Rule 6(e) requires the motion calendar to record the attorneys involved;
• Rule 17(a) turns on whether a defendant is represented by counsel — if not, notice of the merits hearing goes to the defendant by certified mail;
• Rule 21(c) requires a request for a temporary hearing to identify any known counsel of record;
• Rule 28(a)(4) requires an attorney submitting a decree to certify as an officer of the court that all counsel approve it.

Each of those breaks if an appearance goes unannounced. The rule is short because the consequence of ignoring it appears elsewhere.