Texas Senate Bill SB1217

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duty of an attorney ad litem appointed for a child to meet with the child before court hearings.

Impact

The bill is expected to improve the legal representation of children involved in court proceedings by ensuring that attorneys ad litem gather information directly from the children they represent. This change is likely to bring about a more child-centered approach in legal proceedings, where children’s voices are heard and considered. As attorneys will be required to prepare for hearings specifically based on discussions with the children, this could lead to outcomes that better reflect the interests and rights of the children under representation.

Summary

SB1217 aims to amend the Family Code regarding the duties of attorneys ad litem appointed for children in court proceedings. Specifically, it requires such attorneys to meet with the child prior to each court hearing, enhancing the representation and ensuring that children's perspectives and needs are adequately addressed. This legislative change underscores the commitment to prioritizing the welfare and rights of children within the court system, making it crucial for legal representatives to have a clear understanding of the child's objectives before the hearings take place.

Contention

While the bill seems to provide a positive step towards enhancing child representation in legal matters, potential contention could arise regarding the logistics of the meetings, particularly for children who might be uncomfortable or resistant to participate in such discussions. Additionally, concerns may be raised about the impact on case timelines and the burden placed on attorneys in fulfilling this requirement. Ultimately, while many stakeholders advocate for improved child representation, the provisions and practical implementation of such a requirement may spark debates among legal experts and practitioners in the field.