When dealing with any child custody case, especially matters where divorcing parents are at odds and can’t quite see eye to eye, the Court will always err on the side of what is in the best interests of the child. Sometimes, that may mean the judge overseeing the case makes a clear-cut choice on their own without help. In other instances, they may call in what is known as an amicus attorney.
An amicus attorney is one of many friends of the Court that can be brought in to make heads or tails of complicated family law cases. Today’s blog post discusses their unique role in providing impartial and objective information related to child custody.
Amicus Attorney — Defined
In simple terms, an amicus attorney is a special counsel utilized by the Court to aid the judge with information that helps them make the best decision for the child in that case. Unlike a family law attorney, an amicus attorney isn’t there to represent the mother or father. And unlike an ad litem, they are not there to directly represent and advocate for the child. Instead, they work as an aide of the Court to provide information unbiasedly and independently on matters concerning the child’s welfare.
Typically, this includes assisting decisions involving child custody, visitation, and other related issues.
The roles and duties of an amicus attorney can include:
- Conduct interviews with the child, parties involved in the case, and anyone with relevant knowledge of the child.
- Seek out and review medical records and other pertinent documentation.
- Determine each party’s relationship to the child.
- Review the suitability of living arrangements for each child in the case.
- Attend and participate in Court proceedings.
- Present the child’s wishes to the judge before the final ruling.
- Perform any specific tasks directed by the Court.
The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys have a unique and refreshing approach to the often turbulent and emotionally stressful disputes arising in the context of divorce, child custody, and other family law cases. Our firm anchors its representation and legal advice in principles and philosophies that focus on the long-term best interests of children and families.
We offer services ranging from mediation and child custody to client advocacy in a divorce action. Some cases require aggressive advocacy, while others require patience, de-escalation, and diplomatic solutions. Especially when children are involved. We help the client develop and execute the best strategies to avoid leaving a wake of destruction. The brunt of this falls largely on the innocent and impressionable children of divorce.
Please call Christman | Daniell for your legal needs today!
Looking for family law services in Collin County, Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs throughout Collin County.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to helping our clients at each stage of their legal situation.
