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ElevatingthepracticeofGuardiansadlitemforthe23rdAnnualRobertE.ShepherdJr.JuvenileLawandEducationConference

WrittenbyJenniferM.Newman,Esq.andLisaW.Piper,Esq.

Introduction

Thisfocusofthisyear’sseminaristostrengthenrepresentationofourcommunity’smostvulnerablemembers.AsGuardiansadlitem,ourroleissometimescomplicatedandmessy,butthewaytobethestrongestadvocateforourwardsistorememberthatwearelawyersfirst.ThecourtappointsaGuardianadlitemforthechildsothatthechildhasalegalrepresentative.OurchargetofollowtheGALStandardsisnotinlieuoftherulesofcourt,therulesofevidence,andourethicalresponsibility,butinsteaditisanaddedframework.Justaswewouldadvocateforanadultoradvocateasretainedcounsel,ourjobasGAListousetherulesofevidenceandthelawofthecasetoadvocateforthebestinterestofourward.OurgoalinthispresentationistoelevatetheGALpracticebyprovidingresourcesthatwillassistGALsinthecollectionofinformationduringyourinvestigationandrefreshtheskillsyouwillneedtoputtheinformationbeforethebench.

AsGuardiansadlitem,weareappointedbytheCourttorepresentthebestinterestsofaclient,inthiscase,ajuvenile.AsattorneysandGuardiansadlitem,weareguidedbytheStandardsofPerformanceaswellastheRulesofProfessionalConduct.WearerequiredtoapplythestandardsinEVERYcase,buthowtoapplythemvariesdependingonthetypeofcase,yourroleinthecase,theapplicablelawinyourcase,andthechallengesinyourspecificcase. http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/cip/programs/gal/children/gal_performance_standards_children.pdf http://www.vsb.org/pro-guidelines/index.php/main/print_view

Theguardianadlitemservesavitalroleinourjudicialsystem.Thetaskoftheguardianadlitemistoriseabovethefrayofthecontendingpartiestoensurethattheinterestsofpersonsunderalegaldisabilityare"representedandprotected."Code§8.01-9(A).SeealsoRule8:6(theroleoftheguardianadlitemforachildisto"vigorouslyrepresentthechild,fullyprotectingthechild'sinterestandwelfare").Wienckov.Takayama,62Va.App.217,233,745S.E.2d168(2013).First,guardiansadlitemmustadaptthedepthoftheirinvestigationtotheuniquefactsofeachcase.Wienckov.Takayama,62Va.App.at235,745S.E.2d168(2013).

Agoodplacetostartistofirstlookatthetypeofcaseyouhavebeenappointedto(i.e.isthisdelinquency,custody,abuse&neglect,chins,protectiveorder,…somecombinationthereof)andthenaskthefollowingquestions:

a)whatkindofcaseareyoudealingwith? b)whatisthelawofthecase? c)whatisyourroleinthecase(whoareyouGALforandwhatistheirroleinthecase)?

d)areyouequippedtohandlethiscase?

Asthecasedevelops,youshouldbethinkingabouttheevidenceyouwillneedtopresent.Youshouldreviewtherulesofevidenceasappliedtoyourcaseandpreparetopresentevidenceandargumentasitrelatestoyourrole.AndyoushouldfollowtheprotocolyouhavedevelopedinGALcases.

StandardsGoverningPerformanceofGALs INTRODUCTORYCOMMENT:Manyofthecompetenciesrequiredtorepresentchildrenarethesameasthoserequiredformanyothertypesoflitigation.Thereareskills,abilitiesandactionsexpectedofattorneysinallcasessuchasconductinginterviews,framingandevaluatingpleadings,engagingindiscoverytechniques,thoroughlypreparingfortrial,andnegotiatingonbehalfofaclient.Theseskillsareofequalimportancetoothertypesofcivilcasessuchaslabor,tort,contractorfamilylaw.Theneedforpracticessuchascomprehensiveclientinterviewsispresentineverycase.Likewiseattorneysinvolvedinanyformoflitigationmustmakechoicesanddeterminestrategicoptions.Forexample,theneedtointerviewnon-partiesdependsonthenatureofthecaseandthelitigator’sgoal.Hence,qualifyingphraseslike“asappropriate”or“insofaraspossible”arefoundinseveralstandardsandcommentaries.

Representingchildren,however,isalsodifferentfromotherformsoflitigation.Theimportanceofthedispositionalprocessandthepotentialforcourtproceedingstoaffecttheverynatureofafamilyprovidethebasisforthesedistinctions.Thelong-termconsequencestothechildclientmaketheroleofaGuardianadlitem(GAL)ascrucialatthedispositionalstageasatanyotherphaseofthecase.Theseconsequencesdemandfullattentiontotheformulationandarticulationofwell-supportedargumentsandappropriaterecommendations,aswellascriticalevaluationofplansproposedbyothers.

TheGALactsasanattorneyandnotawitness,whichmeansthatheorsheshouldnotbecross-examinedand,moreimportantly,shouldnottestify.TheGALshouldrelyprimarilyonopeningstatements,presentationofevidenceandclosingargumentstopresentthesalientinformationtheGALfeelsthecourtneedstomakeitsdecisions.

Theimplicitsetofchecksandbalancesoperativeinnon-juvenilecasesisgenerallynotlikelytoworkforchildren.Inacivilactioninvolvingadults,thesuccessfulpartyknowswhenajudgmentispaidoracourtorderisimplemented.Inproceedingsinvolvingchildrenthismaynotbeso;thechildmaybetooyoungtounderstandormonitororders,orthelegalproceedingsmaybetoocomplexforthechildtounderstand.Thus,thesestandardsincorporateprovisionsregardingcommunicationwiththechild,theimplementationofordersandappeals.

AttorneyswhoserveasGALsaresubjecttotheRulesofProfessionalConductpromulgated

bytheVirginiaStateBarastheywouldbeinanyothercase,exceptwhenthespecialdutiesofaGALconflictwithsuchrules.Forexample,anattorneywouldfollowthegeneralconflictrule(1.7)todetermineiftherewouldbeapossibleconflictofinterestiftheattorneyservedasGAL.ButunliketheRulesforProfessionalConductastheyapplytoconfidentiality,theremaybetimeswhenattorneysservingasaGALmust,infurtheranceoftheirroleasGAL,discloseinformationprovidedbythechildtothecourt.AGALappointedtorepresentsiblingsshouldbealerttopotentialconflicts

and,whenappropriate,requestthatthecourtappointaseparateGALforeachchild.TheroleandresponsibilityoftheGAListorepresent,asanattorney,thechild’sbestinterestsbeforethecourt.TheGALisafullandactiveparticipantintheproceedingswhoindependentlyinvestigates,assessesandadvocatesforthechild’sbestinterests.Decision-makingpowerresideswiththecourt.*Emphasisadded

a. MeetFacetoFaceandInterviewtheChild b. Conductanindependentinvestigationinordertoascertainthefactsofthecase. c. Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthenatureofallproceedings,thechild’srights,theroleandresponsibilitiesoftheGAL,thecourtprocessandthepossibleconsequencesofthelegalaction. d. Participate,asappropriate,inpre-trialconferences,mediationand negotiations. e. Ensurethechild’sattendanceatallproceedingswherethechild’s attendancewouldbeappropriateand/ormandated. f. AppearinCourtonthedatesandtimesscheduledforhearingspreparedtofullyandvigorouslyrepresentthechild’sinterests. g. Preparethechildtotestify,whennecessaryandappropriate,inaccordwiththechild’sinterestandwelfare. h. Providethecourtsufficientinformationincludingspecific recommendationsforcourtactionbasedonthefindingsoftheinterviews andindependentinvestigation. i. Communicate,coordinateandmaintainaprofessionalworking relationshipinsofaraspossiblewithallpartieswithoutsacrificing Independence. j. Fileappropriatepetitions,motions,pleadings,briefs,andappealson behalfofthechildandensurethechildisrepresentedbyaGALinany appealinvolvingthecase. k. Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthecourt’sdecisionanditsconsequencesforthechildandothersinthechild’slife.

I. ApplyingStandardsinDELINQUENCYandCHINS Eachofthebelow“officialcomments”canalsobefoundatthewebsitecitedbelow.Thepageofthestandardswherethatcommentcanbefoundisalsocitedafterthecomment.Eachofthe“unofficialcomments”arethosethatwehaveaddedtotrytohelpclarifysomespecificscenariosthatwerunintofrequently.. A. Meetfacetofaceandinterviewthechild:OfficialComment:“Injuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,andstatusoffensecases,theGALshouldexercisecautionwhentalkingtothechildaboutthecircumstancesoftheoffenseandadvisethechildaboutthelimitationsonconfidentialitythatmayapply.”(S-3and4) UnofficialComment:Earlyon,itcanbeimportanttoidentifypotentialneedsforthechildincludingwhetherthatchildiscompetentorifthereareothercommunicationorcomprehensionlimitationsthatthechildmayhave.Veryfewofusareexpertsinpsychologyorchilddevelopment,butwedodealwithalotofchildren.Ifyouhaveaconcern,raiseitwiththecourt,orinitially,withthechild’sdefenseattorney--seeiftheyhavethesameconcerns.Becauseyouhavetheadvantageofacting

forthechild’sbestinterests,youwilllikelybeinabetterpositiontoadvocatefortestingthanthedefenseattorneyis. UnofficialComment#2:InaCHINS,theCourtwilloftenidentifyanissueofconcernintheCourtorderthatcorrespondswithyourappointmentOrder.Thatisagreatplacetostart.BesuretochecktheCourtfileearlyoninyourappointmentsothatyoucanbeawareofanyofthoseissues.Theoldermattersinthechild’sfilecanalsobeagreatsourceofhistoricaldataorservicesthathavebeenattempted. OfficialComment:“Ifthechildisuncooperativeorappearstohavebeeninfluencedbyaparentorcustodian,theGALshouldinformthecourtofthesecircumstances.”(S-4) UnofficialComment:Youcansupportthechildbymakingsurethattheyunderstandhowimportantitcanbetobecandidwiththeirdefenseattorney.Especiallywhentheparentoranotherhouseholdmemberisthevictimofthecharge,thechildmustunderstandthatitishisorherdecisiontodeterminehisorherpleaandwhethertotestify.Forinstance,mostofthecurrentsittingjudgesinChesterfieldwillaskthechildifheorsheknowswhatitmeanswhenthatchildentersa“nocontest”plea.You,asGuardian,canhelpmakesuretheyactuallyunderstand.

B.Conductanindependentinvestigationinordertoascertainthefactsofthecase: OfficialComment:“Injuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,andstatusoffensecases,theGALshouldcontactthechild’sdefenseattorney.”(S-5) UnofficialComment:Regardingdelinquencycases,youarenotthedetectiveinvestigatingthecase.Oftentimes,youwillnothaveavocalroleintheadjudicationofthecase.Itisimportantthatyouletthecommonwealth’sattorneyANDthedefenseattorneydohisorherjobduringthisportion.ThatdangUSConstitutionrequiresthatyoudoso. UnofficialComment#2:InaCHINSmatter,youarealittlebitmoredetective-y,collateralinterviewsareoftenveryhelpful-i.e.howisthischilddoinginschool,whatservicesdoesthecounselorthinkareneeded,doesthesamebehavioroccuratthegrandmashouse? OfficialComment:“Ifthehomeenvironmentisatissue,theGALshouldvisitthechild’shomeandanyproposedalternativeplacement.”(S-5) UnofficialComment:Rarelyisdetentionagoodplaceforachildjustbecauseheorshecan’tgohome.Makesuretomakeappropriatemotionstogetthechildconnectedwithanotherhousingoptionor,ifnecessary,DSS.SometimesthatmayrequirefilingaCHINS,butoftenyoucanaccomplishwhatyouneedtothroughthedelinquencymatter.Don’tforgetthatfundingcanalsobeanissueforplacements--ifyourchildhasaprobationofficer,thatofficercanhelpcoordinatefundingstreams.

C.Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthenatureofallproceedings,thechild’srights,theroleandresponsibilitiesoftheGAL,thecourtprocessandthepossibleconsequencesofthelegalaction. OfficialComment:“Injuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,andstatusoffensecases,theGALshouldexplainhowtheGAL’sroleandresponsibilitiesdifferfromthatofthechild’sdefenseattorneyandadvisethechildaboutthelimitationsonconfidentialitythatmayapply.”(S-6) UnofficialComment:Itisimportanttohaveastrongunderstandingofthecriminalproceedingbecausethechildneedstoknowthat,unlikethedefenseattorney,theremaybeoccasionswhereyouarenotadvocatingforwhatthechildwants. OfficialComment:“TheGALmustinformthechildthattheremaybecircumstanceswhenconfidentialitywillapplytocommunicationbetweenthechildandGAL,andcircumstanceswhenitmaynot.TheGALmayuseinformationreceivedfromthechildtofurtherthechild’sbestinterest.Forexample,theGALmaylearnfromthechildthatacustodianistakingillegaldrugsandmayusethatinformationtorequestthatthecourtorderdrugtestingofthecustodian.”(S-6)

UnofficialComment:Itcanbeachallengetomaintainaworkingrelationshipwithachildwhenyou’readvocatingforthingsthatthechilddoesnotwant.Keepingthechildapprisedofwhatwilloccurincourt(ie“you’reforsuregoingtogetdrugtested”)canhelpandIhavefounditparticularlyimportanttocommunicatetothechildoutsideofcourtthatyouwillbeaskingforsomethingthatyourchildmaynotagreewith(i.e.Drugscreeningordetentiontime)inordertobeabletomaintaintheworkingrelationship.It’sonethingforthechildtofeelsurprisedbytheCommonwealthAttorneyaskingfordetentiontime,butitcanbedevastatingtotherelationshipbetweenyouandyourwardforhimorhertofeelsurprisedbysomethingthatyouarerequestingoftheCourt.

D.Participate,asappropriate,inpre-trialconferences,mediationandnegotiations OfficialComment:“InexceptionalcaseswheretheGALreasonablybelievesthataproposedsettlementwouldbecontrarytothewelfareofthechild,theGALshouldfirstdiscusstheseconcernswiththepartiesandtheircounsel.Iftheseconcernsarenotaddressed,theGALshouldbringthefactsthatledtotheconcernsaboutthesettlementtothecourt’sattentionbyfilingamotiontovacatetheagreementinaccordancewith§8.01-576.12oftheCodeofVirginia.Anyproposedsettlementwhichisdeleterioustothechildshouldbeopposeddespitetheagreementoftheotherparties.”(S-6and7) UnofficialComment:Apleaagreementisanegotiatedsettlement,ifyoudisagree,bepreparedwithevidenceatdispositiontotellthecourtwhyandwhattheappropriatedispositionshouldbe. UnofficialComment#2:Oftentimes,fundingcanbeamajorcomponentinthedeterminationastowhatservicesareactuallypossibleforachild.InaCHINS,youmayhaveasocialworkerwhocanreferaclienttoFAPT,butdon’tforgetthataprobationofficercanalsodosoinacriminalmatter.TheCourtserviceunitisanexcellentresourceforaddressingfundingissuesandcanoftenadviseifitisvennecessarytoapproachFAPT. UnofficialComment#3:Justbecauseyouhaveattendedameetingwhereaplanhasbeenformulated,doesnoteliminatetheneedtobepreparedtofullyinformthebenchastowhattheproposedplanentails.Bepreparedtoeducatethejudgeaboutwhattheprogramentails.

E.Ensurethechild’sattendanceatallproceedingswherethechild’sattendancewouldbeappropriateand/ormandated. OfficialComment:“Insofaraspossible,theGALshouldassurethemeaningfulparticipationofthechildinallphasesoftheproceedingswhichwouldincludeattendanceatappropriatecourthearings.”(S-7) UnofficialComment:Theremaybeoccasionswhereyourward’scontinuedparticipationinaprogrammaynotallowthemtoattendcourt.Itishelpfulforthecourttohavethisinformationatthetimethechildisenteredintotheprogramsothatreturnhearingcanbescheduledappropriatelyorsothatthechild’sattendancecanbewaivedsolongasheorsheisenrolledintheprogram.

F.AppearinCourtonthedatesandtimesscheduledforhearingspreparedtofullyandvigorouslyrepresentthechild’sinterests. OfficialComment:“TheGALshouldprepare,presentandcross-examinewitnesses,offerexhibits,andprovideindependentevidenceasnecessary.Althoughthechild’spositionmayoverlappositionsofotherpartiessuchastheparents,theGALshouldbepreparedtoparticipatefullyineveryhearingandnotmerelydefertoorendorsethepositionsofotherparties.TheGALactsasanadvocateanduseseveryattorneyskillappropriatetofurtheraresultfavorabletothechild’sbestinterest.”(S-8) UnofficialComment:AsGuardian,youarenotforcedtosimplypickwhichpositionyoulikebetterbetweentheCommonwealthandtheDefense.Ifyouseeaneedforthechildandfindaprogramor

servicethatmightfit--beanadvocateforthatprogram,justdon’tforgettoworkoutthelogistics.Considerwhattherequirementsand/orlimitationsareforwhatyou’reasking,iecanthechildremainonprobationduringparticipationinthatprogramordoesthechild’schargeprecludeparticipationintheprogram?It’salsoimportanttoworkouthowitwouldbefunded-sometimestherearelimitationsongettingaparticularprogramfundedbecausethecountydoesn’thaveacontractwiththatprogram.Again,workwiththeCourtServiceUnittofigureoutwhetherthisisasurmountableproblemorifitjustmeansthatoptionhastobetakenoffthetable.

G.Preparethechildtotestify,whennecessaryandappropriate,inaccordwiththechild’sinterestandwelfare. OfficialComment:“Injuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,andstatusoffensecases,thechild’sdefenseattorneywilltakeresponsibilityforpreparingthechildtotestifywhennecessary.”(S-9) UnofficialComment:Again,thatdangUSConstitution.NowachildwillnotalwayshaveadefenseattorneyonaCHINS,sobeawareofwhethertheydoornotandpreparethemaccordingly.

H.Providethecourtsufficientinformationincludingspecificrecommendationsforcourtactionbasedonthefindingsoftheinterviewsandindependentinvestigation OfficialComment:“TheGALisobligatedtoassurethatallfactsrelevanttothecase,availabledispositionalremediesandpossiblecourtordersarepresentedtothecourt.TheGAL’sargumentstothecourtshouldaddresseveryappropriateaspectofthelitigationincluding:…placementofthechild;servicestobemadeavailabletothechildandfamily;dispositionalalternativesforthechildorparentsinjuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,statusoffensecasesandcustodyandvisitationarrangements;andanyotherorderstheGALdeemstobeinthechild’sinterest.Recommendationsforplacementsoutsidethehomeshouldtakeintoconsiderationtheavailabilityandappropriatenessofplacementwithrelativesorfriends,parentalvisitationandkeepingasiblinggrouptogether.”(S-9) UnofficialComment:Asstatedabove,youareanadvocateindependentfromtheprosecutorandthedefense.Advocateforthechild’sbestinterests.Ifyoudoadvocateforadispositionalalternativethatrequiresfamilyparticipations,makesurethatthefamilyisuptothetaskaswell.

I.Communicate,coordinateandmaintainaprofessionalworkingrelationshipinsofaraspossiblewithallpartieswithoutsacrificingindependence. OfficialComment:“TheGALshouldcontacttheattorneysfortheotherpartiestothecaseassoonaspossibleandatleastseventy-twohourspriortoanyhearing.Counselforotherpartiestothecasemayhaveinformationnotincludedinanyoftheavailablerecordsandcanprovidetheirrespectiveclients’perspectives.”(S-10) UnofficialComment:Thismeansthedefenseattorneyandtheprosecutorinadelinquencycase.ItcanalsomeantheDepartmentofSocialServicesthrougheithercounselortheworkeriftheyareonthecase.ItcouldalsomeantheProbationofficer,dependingonwhetheryou'reintheadjudication,dispositionorreviewstage.

J.Fileappropriatepetitions,motions,pleadings,briefs,andappealsonbehalfofthechildandensurethechildisrepresentedbyaGALinanyappealinvolvingthecase. OfficialComment:“TheGALshouldalsoensurethatthechildhasrepresentationinanyappealrelatedtothecaseregardlessofwhofilestheappeal.Duringanappealprocessinitiatedbyanotherparty,theGALforachildmayfileabriefandparticipatefullyatoralargument.”(S-11) UnofficialComment:Makesurethatyourwardunderstandshisorherrighttoappeal,aswellastherisk.

K.Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthecourt’sdecisionandits

consequencesforthechildandothersinthechild’slife OfficialComment:“TheGALshouldreviewallorderstoensuretheyconformtothecourt’sverbalordersandstatutorilyrequiredfindingsandnotices.TheGALshoulddiscussallsuchordersandtheirconsequenceswiththechild.Thechildisentitledtounderstandwhatthecourthasdoneandwhatthatmeanstothechild.”(S-11) UnofficialComment:Wehavefoundthatitisoftenhelpfultomakesurethattheparentsorguardiansalsounderstandwhatactuallyhappenedinthecourtroom.Toooftenchildrengetincompleteorincorrectinformationfromtheirsupportgroup,eventhosewiththebestintentions.It’simportanttogivethechildtheopportunitytoaskyouquestionsaboutwhathappenedincourtontheirowntoo,notjustwiththewholefamily,asthevoicedconcernsmightbeconsiderablydifferentdependingonwhoallinintheroom. http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/cip/programs/gal/children/gal_performance_standards_children.pdf TheAmericanBarAssociationStandardsofPracticeforLawyersWhoRepresentChildreninAbuseandNeglectCases,approvedbytheAmericanBarAssociationHouseofDelegates,February5,1996;AmericanBarAssociationFamilyLawSectionStandardsofPracticeforLawyersRepresentingChildreninCustodyCases,CommitteefinaldraftapprovedApril24,2003,andapprovedbytheSectionCouncilonMay2,2003;TheNewYorkStateBarAssociationCommitteeonChildrenandtheLaw:LawGuardianRepresentationStandards,VolumeII,CustodyCases,November1999;RepresentingChildren:StandardsforAttorneysandGuardiansAdLiteminCustodyandVisitationProceedings,AmericanBarAssociationStandardsofPracticeforLawyersWhoRepresentChildreninAbuseandNeglectCases(NACCRevisedVersion),NationalAssociationofCounselforChildren,February1996;AmericanAcademyofMatrimonialLawyers,1995;andRichmondJuvenileandDomesticRelationsDistrictCourtGuardianAdLitemStandardswereheavilyrelieduponinthedevelopmentofthesestandards.

II.ApplyingStandardsinCustody&VisitationMatters A. PertinentStatutes

1. §20-124.2.Court-orderedcustodyandvisitationarrangements.

A.Inanycaseinwhichcustodyorvisitationofminorchildrenisatissue,whetherinacircuitordistrictcourt,thecourtshallprovidepromptadjudication,upondueconsiderationofallthefacts,ofcustodyandvisitationarrangements,includingsupportandmaintenanceforthechildren,priortootherconsiderationsarisinginthematter.Thecourtmayenteranorderpendingthesuitasprovidedin§20-103.Theproceduresfordeterminingcustodyandvisitationarrangementsshallinsofaraspractical,andconsistentwiththeendsofjustice,preservethedignityandresourcesoffamilymembers.Mediationshallbeusedasanalternativetolitigationwhereappropriate.Whenmediationisusedincustodyandvisitationmatters,thegoalsmayincludedevelopmentofaproposaladdressingthechild'sresidentialscheduleandcarearrangements,andhowdisputesbetweentheparentswillbehandledinthefuture.

B.Indeterminingcustody,thecourtshallgiveprimaryconsiderationtothebestinterestsofthechild.Thecourtshallassureminorchildrenoffrequentandcontinuingcontactwithbothparents,whenappropriate,andencourageparentstoshareintheresponsibilitiesofrearingtheirchildren.Asbetweentheparents,thereshallbenopresumptionorinferenceoflawinfavorofeither.Thecourtshallgivedueregardtotheprimacyoftheparent-childrelationshipbutmayuponashowingbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthebestinterestofthechildwouldbeservedtherebyawardcustodyorvisitationtoanyotherpersonwithalegitimateinterest.Thecourtmayawardjointcustodyorsolecustody.

BI.Inanycaseorproceedinginvolvingthecustodyorvisitationofachild,astoaparent,thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,usethephrase"parentingtime"tobesynonymouswiththeterm"visitation."

C.Thecourtmayorderthatsupportbepaidforanychildoftheparties.Uponrequestofeitherparty,thecourtmayorderthatsuchsupportpaymentsbemadetoaspecialneedstrustoranABLEsavingstrustaccountasdefinedin§23.1-700.Thecourtshallalsoorderthatsupportwillcontinuetobepaidforanychildovertheageof18whois(i)afull-timehighschoolstudent,(ii)notself-supporting,and(iii)livinginthehomeofthepartyseekingorreceivingchildsupportuntilsuchchildreachestheageof19orgraduatesfromhighschool,whicheverfirstoccurs.Thecourtmayalsoorderthatsupportbepaidorcontinuetobepaidforanychildovertheageof18whois(a)severelyandpermanentlymentallyorphysicallydisabled,andsuchdisabilityexistedpriortothechildreachingtheageof18ortheageof19ifthechildmettherequirementsofclauses(i),(ii),and(iii);(b)unabletoliveindependentlyandsupporthimself;and(c)residinginthehomeoftheparentseekingorreceivingchildsupport.Inaddition,thecourtmayconfirmastipulationoragreementofthepartieswhichextendsasupportobligationbeyondwhenitwouldotherwiseterminateasprovidedbylaw.Thecourtshallhavenoauthoritytodecreesupportofchildrenpayablebytheestateofadeceasedparty.Thecourtmaymakesuchfurtherdecreeasitshalldeemexpedientconcerningsupportoftheminorchildren,includinganorderthateitherpartyorbothpartiesprovidehealthcarecoverageorcashmedicalsupport,orboth.

D.Inanycaseinwhichcustodyorvisitationofminorchildrenisatissue,whetherinacircuitordistrictcourt,thecourtmayorderanindependentmentalhealthorpsychologicalevaluationtoassistthecourtinitsdeterminationofthebestinterestsofthechild.Thecourtmayentersuchorderasitdeemsappropriateforthepaymentofthecostsoftheevaluationbytheparties.

E.Thecourtshallhavethecontinuingauthorityandjurisdictiontomakeanyadditionalordersnecessarytoeffectuateandenforceanyorderenteredpursuanttothissectionor§20-103includingtheauthoritytopunishascontemptofcourtanywillfulfailureofapartytocomplywiththeprovisionsoftheorder.Aparentorotherpersonhavinglegalcustodyofachildmaypetitionthecourttoenjoinandthecourtmayenteranordertoenjoinaparentofthechildfromfilingapetitionrelatingtocustodyandvisitationofthatchildforanyperiodoftimeupto10yearsifdoingsoisinthebestinterestsofthechildandsuchparenthasbeenconvictedofanoffenseunderthelawsoftheCommonwealthorasubstantiallysimilarlawofanotherstate,theUnitedStates,oranyforeignjurisdictionwhichconstitutes(i)murderorvoluntarymanslaughter,orafelonyattempt,conspiracyorsolicitationtocommitanysuchoffense,ifthevictimoftheoffensewasachildoftheparent,achildwithwhomtheparentresidedatthetimetheoffenseoccurred,ortheotherparentofthechild,or(ii)felonyassaultresultinginseriousbodilyinjury,felonybodilywoundingresultinginseriousbodilyinjury,orfelonysexualassault,ifthevictimoftheoffensewasachildoftheparent

orachildwithwhomtheparentresidedatthetimeoftheoffense.Whensuchapetitiontoenjointhefilingofapetitionforcustodyandvisitationisfiled,thecourtshallappointaguardianadlitemforthechildpursuantto§16.1-266.

F.Inanycustodyorvisitationcaseorproceedingwhereinanorderprohibitingapartyfrompickingthechildupfromschoolisenteredpursuanttothissectionor§20-103,thecourtshallorderapartytosuchcaseorproceedingtoprovideacopyofsuchcustodyorvisitationordertotheschoolatwhichthechildisenrolledwithinthreebusinessdaysofsuchparty'sreceiptofsuchcustodyorvisitationorder.

Ifacustodydeterminationaffectstheschoolenrollmentofthechildsubjecttosuchcustodyorderandprohibitsapartyfrompickingthechildupfromschool,thecourtshallorderapartytoprovideacopyofsuchcustodyordertotheschoolatwhichthechildwillbeenrolledwithinthreebusinessdaysofsuchparty'sreceiptofsuchorder.Suchorderdirectingapartytoprovideacopyofsuchcustodyorvisitationordershallfurtherrequiresuchparty,uponanysubsequentchangeinthechild'sschoolenrollment,toprovideacopyofsuchcustodyorvisitationordertothenewschoolatwhichthechildissubsequentlyenrolledwithinthreebusinessdaysofsuchenrollment.

Ifthecourtdeterminesthatapartyisunabletodeliverthecustodyorvisitationordertotheschool,suchpartyshallprovidethecourtwiththenameoftheprincipalandaddressoftheschool,andthecourtshallcausetheordertobemailedbyfirstclassmailtosuchschoolprincipal.

Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtorequireanyschoolstafftointerpretorenforcethetermsofsuchcustodyorvisitationorder.

2.§20-124.3Bestinterestsofthechild;visitation. Indeterminingbestinterestsofachildforpurposesofdeterminingcustodyorvisitationarrangementsincludinganypendenteliteorderspursuantto§20-103,thecourtshallconsiderthefollowing:

1.Theageandphysicalandmentalconditionofthechild,givingdueconsiderationtothechild'schangingdevelopmentalneeds;

2.Theageandphysicalandmentalconditionofeachparent;

3.Therelationshipexistingbetweeneachparentandeachchild,givingdueconsiderationtothepositiveinvolvementwiththechild'slife,theabilitytoaccuratelyassessandmeettheemotional,intellectualandphysicalneedsofthechild;

4.Theneedsofthechild,givingdueconsiderationtootherimportantrelationshipsofthechild,includingbutnotlimitedtosiblings,peersandextendedfamilymembers;

5.Therolethateachparenthasplayedandwillplayinthefuture,intheupbringingandcareofthechild;

6.Thepropensityofeachparenttoactivelysupportthechild'scontactandrelationshipwiththeotherparent,includingwhetheraparenthasunreasonablydeniedtheotherparentaccesstoorvisitationwiththechild;

7.Therelativewillingnessanddemonstratedabilityofeachparenttomaintainacloseandcontinuingrelationshipwiththechild,andtheabilityofeachparenttocooperateinandresolvedisputesregardingmattersaffectingthechild;

8.Thereasonablepreferenceofthechild,ifthecourtdeemsthechildtobeofreasonableintelligence,understanding,ageandexperiencetoexpresssuchapreference;

9.Anyhistoryoffamilyabuseasthattermisdefinedin§16.1-228orsexualabuse.Ifthecourtfindssuchahistory,thecourtmaydisregardthefactorsinsubdivision6;and

10.Suchotherfactorsasthecourtdeemsnecessaryandpropertothedetermination.

Thejudgeshallcommunicatetothepartiesthebasisofthedecisioneitherorallyorinwriting.Exceptincasesofconsentordersforcustodyandvisitation,thiscommunicationshallsetforththejudge'sfindingsregardingtherelevantfactorssetforthinthissection.

B.PertinentCases Keelv.Keel,225Va.606(1983) Thetwoprongtestforcustodymodificationis:“first,hastherebeenachangeincircumstancessincethemostrecentcustodyaward;second,wouldachangeincustodybeinthebestinterestsofthechildren.” Bostickv.Bostick-Bennett,23Va.App.527(1996) Theburdenofproofisonthemovingpartytoproveamaterialchangebyapreponderanceoftheevidence. Parishv.Spaulding,26Va.App.566(1998) “Changedcircumstances”isabroadconceptandincorporatesabroadrangeofpositiveandnegativedevelopmentsinthelivesofchildren. Turnerv.Turner,3Va.App.31(1986) Evidenceconsideredinapreviouscustodycasemaybeconsideredforthepurposesofestablishing“background”informationtounderstandthechangeincircumstances.Suchevidence,however,cannotbeusedtoretrytheissuesfromthepriorproceeding. Goodhandv.Kildoo,37Va.App.591(2002) TheCourtmayconsiderabenefittotheparentfromrelocationonlyif“themoveindependentlybenefitsthechild.” Troxelv.Granville,530U.S.57(2000) Theinterestsofparentsinthecare,custody,andcontroloftheirchildrenistheoldestoffundamentallibertyinterests.TheDueProcessClauseoftheFourteenthAmendmentprotectsthefundamentalrightofparentstomakedecisionsconcerningthecare,custody,andcontroloftheirchildren. Williamsv.Williams,256Va.19(1998) Beforevisitationcanbeorderedovertheobjectionofthechildren’sparents,acourtmustfindactualharmtothechild’shealthorwelfarewithoutsuchvisitation.The“bestinterests”standardisconsideredindeterminingvisitationonlyafterafindingofharmifvisitationisnotordered.

Dotsonv.Hylton,29Va.App.635(1999) Theactualharmtestdoesnotapplyifoneparentobjectstothirdpartyvisitationandtheotherparentaffirmativelysupportsit.Rather,thestandardisclearandconvincingevidenceofwhatisinthebestinterestsofthechild. Merrittv.Gray,RecordNo.2003-03-4(UnpublishedCt.ofApp.Sept.2004) Theactualharmtestdoesnotapplyifnaturalparentsdonotcontestthatit’sinthechild’sbestintereststohavevisitationwiththethirdparty. Bailesv.Sours,231Va.96(1986). Totakephysicalcustodyofachildfromhisorhernaturalparent,athirdpartymustprovebyclearandconvincingevidenceanextraordinaryreasonfordeprivingthenaturalparentofcustody.TheBailescaselaysoutthefivescenarioswhichrebutthelegalpresumptioninfavorofnaturalparents:parentalunfitness,apreviousorderofdivestiture;voluntaryrelinquishment;abandonment;andafindingofspecialfactsandcircumstancesconstitutinganextraordinaryreasonfortakingachildfromitsparent. Brownv.Burch,30Va.App.670(1999). Ifthethirdpartycanmeettheburdenofproof,thenbothpartiesstandequallybeforethecourt,withnopresumptioninfavorofeither. Albertv.Ramirez,45Va.App.799(2005). Oncecustodyhasbeendeterminedandavisitationorderenteredgivingvisitationrightstoathirdparty,ifthecustodialpartythenseekstoterminateand/orreducevisitation,heorshemustshowthatdenyingvisitationwiththethirdpartywhohascourtorderedvisitationwouldbeinthebestinterestofthechild. Rhodesv.Lang,66Va.App.702(2016). Whenapartyhasfiledapetitiontomodifyanexistingvisitationorderbetweenaparentandthirdparties,thecourtsmustapplytheSupremeCourt'stwo-prongedtestenunciatedinKeelv.Keel,225Va.606,303S.E.2d917(1983),todeterminewhethermodificationofthatorderisproper.Thattestasks,“first,hastherebeenachangeincircumstancessincethemostrecentcustodyaward;second,wouldachangeincustodybeinthebestinterestsofthechildren.” Bonhotelv.Watts,16VapUNP0040163(2016). Thefollowingprovisioninanorder:“[t]hechildshallcontinueincounselingwiththecounseloruntilhereleasesheroruntilherecommendssomeothercourse.Theparentsshallfullycooperatewiththechild’scounselorandshallfollowhisorherrecommendations”isoverlybroadlanguage...impingesuponparentingdecisionsprotectedbytheDueProcessoftheFourteenthAmendment. Reillyv.Reilly,16VapUNP1369152(2016). Itwaserroneous“forthecircuitcourttoapprovesuchlanguageallowingathirdparty,evenaguardianadlitem,totaldiscretiontodecidemother’svisitationwithoutprovidingjudicialreviewbecauseitisinconsistentwiththelanguageandpurposeofCode§20-124.2” III. ProtectiveOrders

A. EmergencyProtectiveOrders

VaCode§16.1-253.4appliestoemergencyprotectiveorders.Anemergencyprotectiveordercanbeissuedbyanyjudgeofanycourtoramagistrateinordertoprotectthehealthorsafetyofaperson.

PerVaCode§16.1-253.4(B)Anemergencyprotectiveorderisoftengrantedinconjunctionwithawarrantforassaultandbatteryunder§18.2-57.2.

TheCourtcanprohibitcontactbytherespondentwithfamilyorhouseholdmembersoftherespondent.TheCourtcangrantthefamilyorhouseholdmemberpossessionofthepremisestotherespondent’sexclusion.TheCourtcanevengrantthepetitionerpossessionofanycompanionanimal.

AnEPOistemporaryandshallexpirethree(3)daysafterissuanceat11:59p.m.onthethirdday.Ifitexpiresonadatethecourtisnotinsessionthenitcontinuesuntil11:59p.m.ofthenextdatethattheJDRcourtisinsession.Va.Code§16.1-253.4(C).Thiscanresultinanemergencyprotectiveorder being extended severalweeks in smaller jurisdictions where the juvenile court is only insessiontwo(2)timespermonth.

Thereisnotimeconstraintintheemergencyprotectiveorderregardingpastactsofabuse,butrathertheemphasisisonthe“probabledangeroffurtheractsoffamilyabuse.” Pursuantto§16.1-253.4(A),theCourtmayissueawrittenororalexparteprotectiveordertoprotectthehealthorsafetyofanyperson.Generally,therespondentwouldnotbepresentduetothelimitedopportunityofthecourtstonotifyanindividualagainstwhomaprotectiveorderisbeingsoughtwithinhoursofahearing.Andconsider§16.1-253.4(B),whichstatesthatforEPO’swhenalaw-enforcementofficeroranallegedlyabusedperson“assertsunderoath,”thejudgeormagistrateshallissueanexparteemergencyprotectiveorder. B.PreliminaryProtectiveOrders

Va. Code §16.1-253.1 applies to preliminary protective orders. A preliminary protectiveordermaybeissuedbyajudgeofanycourtoramagistrateinordertoprotectthehealthorsafetyofthepetitioneroranyfamilyorhouseholdmemberofthepetitioner.Theremustbeashowingbythepetitionerthatheorsheisorhasbeensubjectedtofamilyabusewithinareasonableperiodoftime.

Forgoodcauseshowntheprotectiveordercanbegrantedexparte,buttoestablishgoodcause,thepetitionermustshowimmediateandpresentdangeroffamilyabuseoccurringorevidenceofprobablecausethattheabuserecentlyhappened. Uponthefilingofapreliminaryprotectiveorderpursuantto§16.1-253.1(A)theCourtmayorderanyofthefollowing:1)theprohibitionoffurtheractsoffamilyabuse,2)prohibitionofcontactbyrespondentwithpetitioneroranyofpetitioner’s familyandhouseholdmembers,3)exclusivepossessionoftheresidencethatwasoccupiedbythepetitionerandtherespondent,4)requirementthat the respondent does not terminate utilities or must restore utilities to the premises nowoccupiedbypetitioner, 5) temporaryuseof anautomobile ownedbypetitioneror jointlyby theparties, 6) requirement that the abusing person provide suitable alternative housing for thepetitionerandanyotherhouseholdmember,andpaydepositstoconnectorrestorenecessaryutilityservices,7)possessionofcompanionanimal.

TheCourthastheauthoritytogranttemporarypossessionoruseofavehicleownedsolelyby the petitioner or jointly by the parties, but not solely by the respondent. Va. Code §16.1-253.1(A)(6). Thepreliminaryordershallspecifyadateforafullhearingwhichshallbeheldwithin15daysoftheissuanceofthepreliminaryprotectiveorder.Thepetitionerandtherespondentmayatanytime fileamotionwith thecourt todissolveormodify theprotectiveorderatany timeandthatmotionandhearingshallbegivenprecedenceontheCourt’sdocket.Va.Code§16.1-253.1(B). TheRespondentcanrequestforgoodcauseshownthattheprotectiveorderbecontinuedtoheheardwithanyunderlyingcriminalcharges.Va.Code§16.1-253.1(B). C. PermanentProtectiveOrders

Va.Code§16.1-279.1appliestopermanentprotectiveordersincasesoffamilyabuse.Thecourtmayissueaprotectiveordertoprotectthehealthandsafetyofthepetitionerandfamilyorhouseholdmembersofthepetitioner.Thisisafullhearing,notexparte.

Aprotectiveorder issuedunder this sectionmay:1)Prohibitacts of family abuseby theRespondent, 2) Prohibit contact by the respondent with the petitioner or family or householdmembersofthepetitionerasthecourtdeemsnecessaryforthehealthorsafetyofsuchpersons,3)Grant the petitioner possession of the residence occupied by the parties to the exclusion of therespondent,4)Enjointherespondentfromterminatinganynecessaryutilityservicetotheresidencetowhichthepetitionerwasgrantedpossessionor,whereappropriate,orderrespondenttorestoreutilityservices to thatresidence,5)Grantthepetitioner temporarypossessionoruseofamotorvehicle owned by the petitioner alone or jointly owned by the parties to the exclusion of therespondent,6)Requirethattherespondentprovidesuitablealternativehousingforthepetitionerand, if appropriate, any other family or householdmember andwhere appropriate, require therespondenttopaydepositstoconnectorrestorenecessaryutilityservicesinthealternativehousingprovided,7)Orderrespondenttoparticipateintreatment,counselingorotherprogramsasthecourtdeemsappropriate,8)Grantpossessionofacompanionanimal,9)Anyotherreliefnecessaryfortheprotectionofthepetitionerandfamilyorhouseholdmembersofthepetitioner,includingaprovisionfortemporarycustodyorvisitationofaminorchild.

Va.Code§16.1-279.1(A)(9)allowsthecourttogranttemporarycustodyorvisitationofaminorchildandVa.Code§16.1-279.1(A)1states that thecourtmayalso issuea temporarychildsupportorder for thesupportofanychildrenof thepetitionerwhomtherespondenthasa legalobligationtosupport.

Theprotectiveordermaybeissuedforaspecifiedperiodoftimeuptoamaximumoftwoyears.Priortotheexpirationoftheprotectiveorder,apetitionermayfileawrittenmotionrequestingahearingtoextendtheorder.Proceedingstoextendaprotectiveordershallbegivenprecedenceonthedocketofthecourt.Thereisnolimitonthenumberofextensionsthatmayberequestedorissued. Thecourtmayassesscostsandattorneys'feesagainsteitherpartyregardlessofwhetheranorderofprotectionhasbeenissuedasaresultofafullhearing. Eitherpartymayatanytimefileawrittenmotionwiththecourtrequestingahearingtodissolveormodifytheorder.Proceedingstodissolveormodifyaprotectiveordershallbegivenprecedenceonthedocketofthecourt.

D. ChildProtectiveOrders

Va.Code§16.1-253(A)states“Uponthemotionofanypersonoruponthecourt’sownmotion,thecourtmayissueapreliminaryprotectiveorder,afterahearing,ifnecessarytoprotectachild’slife,health,safetyornormaldevelopmentpendingthefinaldeterminationofanymatterbeforethecourt.Theordermayrequireachild’sparents,guardian,legalcustodian,otherpersonstandinginlocoparentisorotherfamilyorhouseholdmemberofthechildtoobservereasonableconditionsofbehaviorforaspecifiedlengthoftime.”

Va.Code§16.1-253(H)providesthat“nothinginthissectionenablesthecourttoremoveachildfromthecustodyofhisorherparents,guardian,legalcustodianorotherpersonstandinginlocoparentis,exceptasprovidedin§16.1-278.2,andnoorderhereundershallbeenteredagainstapersonoverwhomthecourtdoesnothavejurisdiction.

ViolationofanyorderissuedpursuanttothissectionshallconstitutecontemptofcourtVa.Code§16.1-253(J). E.ProvingFamilyAbuse

1. FamilyAbuse

Va.Code§16.1-228defines“familyabuse”as“anyactinvolvingviolence,force,orthreatthatresultsinbodilyinjuryorplacesoneinreasonableapprehensionofdeath,sexualassault,orbodilyinjuryandthatiscommittedbyapersonagainstsuchperson'sfamilyorhouseholdmember.Suchactincludes,butisnotlimitedto,anyforcefuldetention,stalking,criminalsexualassaultinviolationofArticle7(§18.2-61etseq.)ofChapter4ofTitle18.2,oranycriminaloffensethatresultsinbodilyinjuryorplacesoneinreasonableapprehensionofdeath,sexualassault,orbodilyinjury.”

2.FamilyorHouseholdMembers

Va Code §16.1-228 defines "family or household member" as “(i) the person's spouse,whetherornotheorsheresidesinthesamehomewiththeperson,(ii)theperson'sformerspouse,whether or not he or she resides in the same homewith the person, (iii) the person's parents,stepparents, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, grandparentsandgrandchildren,regardlessofwhethersuchpersonsresideinthesamehomewiththeperson,(iv)theperson'smother-in-law,father-in-law,sons-in-law,daughters-in-law,brothers-in-lawandsisters-in-lawwhoresideinthesamehomewiththeperson,(v)anyindividualwhohasachildincommonwiththe person, whether or not the person and that individual have been married or have residedtogetheratanytime,or (vi)any individualwhocohabitsorwho,within theprevious12months,cohabitedwiththeperson,andanychildrenofeitherofthemthenresidinginthesamehomewiththeperson.”

3.SwornTestimony

ProtectiveOrdersrequirethetestimonyof1)lawenforcement,or2)theallegedlyabusedpersonfromfactsthatestablishawarrantforassaultandbatteryofafamilymemberplusafindingofprobabledangeroffurtheractsofabuse,or3)testimonythatestablishesreasonablegroundsexisttobelievethatrespondentcommittedfamilyabuseplusprobabledangeroffurtheractsofabuse.

F. GuardiansadliteminProtectiveOrders

1. GuardianAdLitemforachild

Va.Code§16.1-266governs the appointmentof guardianad litem. In some instances theCourtshallappointaguardianadlitemandinsomeinstancestheappointmentisdiscretionary.Incasesofachildwhoisallegedtobeabusedorneglectedorindetentionproceedingsthecourtshallappoint a guardian ad litem. In all other cases inwhich in the discretion of the court require aguardianadlitemtorepresentthechild,aguardianadlitemmaybeappointed.

However,Va.Code§16.1-266(F)statesthatincasewherethecustodyofachildisthesubjectofcontroversyandeachparentisrepresentedbycounsel,thenthecourtshallnotappointaguardianadlitemunlessitfindsthatthebestinterestsofthechildarenotadequatelyrepresented.

2.GuardianAdLitemforpersonsunderadisability

Va.Code§8.01-9(A)provides:“Asuitwhereinapersonunderadisabilityisapartydefendantshallnotbestayedbecauseofsuchdisability,butthecourtinwhichthesuitispending,ortheclerkthereof,shallappointadiscreetandcompetentattorney-at-lawasguardianadlitemtosuchdefendant,whetherthedefendanthasbeenservedwithprocessornot.Ifnosuchattorneyisfoundwillingtoact,thecourtshallappointsomeotherdiscreetandproperpersonasguardianadlitem.Anyguardianadlitemsoappointedshallnotbeliableforcosts.Everyguardianadlitemshallfaithfullyrepresenttheestateorotherinterestofthepersonunderadisabilityforwhomheisappointed,anditshallbethedutyofthecourttoseethattheinterestofthedefendantissorepresentedandprotected....”

Va.Code§8.01-9(B)provides:“NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsectionAortheprovisionsofanyotherlawtothecontrary,inanysuitwhereinapersonunderadisabilityisapartyandisrepresentedbyanattorney-at-lawdulylicensedtopracticeinthisCommonwealth,whoshallhaveenteredofrecordanappearanceforsuchperson,noguardianadlitemneedbeappointedforsuchpersonunlessthecourtdeterminesthattheinterestsofjusticerequiresuchappointment;orunlessastatuteapplicabletosuchsuitexpresslyrequiresthatthepersonunderadisabilityberepresentedbyaguardianadlitem.Thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,appointtheattorneyofrecordforthepersonunderadisabilityashisguardianadlitem,inwhicheventtheattorneyshallperformallthedutiesandfunctionsofguardianadlitem.

PerVa.Code§8.01-2(6),a“Personunderadisability”shallinclude:a.apersonconvictedofafelonyduringtheperiodheisconfined;b.aninfant;c.anincapacitatedpersonasdefinedin§64.2-2000;d.anincapacitatedex-servicepersonunder§64.2-2016;ore.anyotherpersonwho,uponmotiontothecourtbyanypartytoanactionorsuitorbyanypersonininterest,isdeterminedtobe(i)incapableoftakingpropercareofhisperson,or(ii)incapableofproperlyhandlingandmanaginghisestate,or(iii)otherwiseunabletodefendhispropertyorlegalrightseitherbecauseofageortemporaryorpermanentimpairment,whetherphysical,mental,orboth.Suchimpairmentmayalsoincludesubstanceabuseasdefinedin§37.2-100.

3.GuardianAdLitemforothersituations

Va.Code§16.1-266(F)states:“Inallothercaseswhichinthediscretionofthecourtrequirecounseloraguardianadlitem,orboth,torepresentthechildorchildrenortheparentorguardian,discreetandcompetentattorneys-at-lawmaybeappointedbythecourt.AGAL“may”beappointedinallothercasesinwhichthecourtbelieves,initsdiscretion,thattheinterestsofthechildarenotadequatelyrepresented.” IV.ProfessionalGuidelines:Preamble Alawyermayperformvariousfunctions.Asadvisor,alawyerprovidesaclientwithaninformedunderstandingoftheclient'slegalrightsandobligationsandexplainstheirpracticalimplications.Asadvocate,alawyerzealouslyassertstheclient'spositionundertherulesoftheadversarysystem.Asnegotiator,alawyerseeksaresultadvantageoustotheclientbutconsistentwithrequirementsofhonestdealingwithothers.Asintermediarybetweenclients,alawyerseekstoreconciletheirdivergentinterestsasanadvisorand,toalimitedextent,asaspokespersonforeachclient.Asthirdpartyneutral,alawyerrepresentsneitherparty,buthelpsthepartiesarriveattheirownsolution.Asevaluator,alawyerexaminesaclient'slegalaffairsandreportsaboutthemtotheclientortoothers. Rule3.1ofProfessionalGuidelines Alawyershallnotbringordefendaproceeding,orassertorcontrovertanissue therein,unlessthereisabasisfordoingsothatisnotfrivolous,whichincludesagoodfaithargumentforanextension,modificationorreversalofexistinglaw.Alawyerforthedefendantinacriminalproceeding,ortherespondentinaproceedingthatcouldresultinincarceration,mayneverthelesssodefendtheproceedingastorequirethateveryelementofthecasebeestablished. LEO1729 Theissueraisediswhetheroneattorneymayserveasguardianadliteminamatterandalsotestifyasawitness(havingbeenthevisitationsupervisor)inthatsamematter.Theopinionconcludesthatasthetestimonytobegivenispartofthestatutorydutiesofaguardianadlitem,(i.e.,topresentareporttothecourt),theusualwitness/advocateruledoesnotapply.Theopinionestablishesasabasicprinciplethat,"wherefulfillingaspecificdutyofaguardianadlitemconflictswithtraditionaldutiesrequiredofanattorneyunderthe[ethicsrules],thespecificdutyoftheguardianadlitemshouldprevail."Whenthedutiesdonotconflict,theguardianadlitemshouldfollowtraditionalcourseofactionrequiredundertheCodeofProfessionalResponsibility. LEO1870 Whenalawyerhasbeenappointedtoserveasaguardianadlitemforachildinacivilproceeding,Rule4.2appliesandprohibitscounselforanotherpartyinthatproceedingfromcommunicatingexpartewiththechildaboutthesubjectmatterofthatproceeding,unlesstheguardianadlitemconsentstosuchcommunicationorunlessthelaworcourtorderauthorizesthatlawyertocommunicateexpartewiththerepresentedchild.Similarly,thelawyerservingasguardianadlitemforthechildisboundbyRule4.2andmaynothaveexpartecommunicationswithanotherrepresentedpartyinthatproceeding,unlesscounselforthatpartyconsents,orunlesstheGALisauthorizedbylaworcourtordertohavesuchcommunication.

V.EvidenceHacks https://valawyersweekly.com/wp-files/pdf/scova-va-rules-of-evidence.pdf A. AdmissionofRECORDS:

1). Courtrecords:Ifyou’regoingtoaskthecourttotakejudicialnoticeaboutsomethinginafileotherthantheonethatisbeforethecourt--givethecourtnoticesothattheappropriatefilecanbepulledbytheclerksieinacustodycase,thesupportitemsareNOTinthechild’sfile,theyareinthefileofthepayorparent.

Rule2:201JUDICIALNOTICEOFADJUDICATIVEFACTS

(a)Notice.Acourtmaytakejudicialnoticeofafactualmatternotsubjecttoreasonabledisputeinthatitiseither(1)commonknowledgeor(2)capableofaccurateandreadydeterminationbyresorttosourceswhoseaccuracycannotreasonablybequestioned. (b)Timeoftakingnotice.Judicialnoticemaybetakenatanystageoftheproceeding. (c)Opportunitytobeheard.Apartyisentitledupontimelymotiontoanopportunitytobeheardastotheproprietyoftakingjudicialnotice.

2). SchoolRecords8.01-390.1withaffidavit(req.Notice7daysprior)

§8.01-390.1.Schoolrecordsasevidence.

Inaproceedingwhereaminor'sschoolrecordsarematerialandotherwise

admissible,copiesofsuchschoolrecordsshallbereceivedasevidenceinanymatter,providedthatsuchcopiesareauthenticatedtobetrueandaccuratecopiesbythecustodianthereof,orbythepersontowhomthecustodianreportsiftheyaredifferent.Anaffidavitsignedbythecustodianofsuchrecords,orbythepersontowhomthecustodianreportsiftheyaredifferent,statingthatsuchrecordsaretrueandaccuratecopiesofsuchrecordsshallbevalidauthenticationforthepurposesofthissection.Exceptforcopiesofreportcardsandletterspreviouslysenttoparents,subjectiveinformation,includingobservations,commentsoropinionsshallberedacted,bythecourt,fromanyrecordspriortoadmittanceoftherecordsintoevidencepursuanttothissection.Anypartyseekingtointroducerecordsauthenticatedbyaffidavitunderthissectionshalldelivernoticeandacopyofsuchrecordstotheotherpartiessothattheyarereceivednotlessthansevendayspriortotheintroductionofsuchrecords.

3) SocialServiceRecords-Requestrecordsvialetterforpartiestothecase.SeeAttachedforms.Ifrequestingrecordsfornon-partiessuchastheboyfriendofMom,youwillneedtoobtainconsentfromthatperson.

a. PracticeTip:TorequestrecordsfromtheCityofRichmondDepartmentofSocialServices,youmustprovideacertifiedcopyofyourorderofappointment.

4) MentalHealthRecords

32.1-127.1:03(C)Provisionsofthissectionshallnotapplytoanyofthefollowing:4.Totheattorneyand/orguardianadlitemofaminorwhorepresentssuchminorinanyjudicialoradministrativeproceeding,ifthecourtoradministrativehearingofficerhasenteredanordergrantingtheattorneyorguardianadlitemthisrightandsuchattorneyorguardianadlitempresentsevidencetothehealthcareentityofsuchorder

5) MedicalRecordswithaffidavit:Attachaffidavit.Seeattachedform.

Rule2:902SELF-AUTHENTICATION(inpart): (4)Medicalrecordsandmedicalbillsinparticularactions.Whereauthorizedbystatute,medicalrecordsandmedicalbills,offeredupontheformsofauthenticationspecifiedintheCodeofVirginia.

B.HEARSAYEXCEPTIONSWHEREAVAILABILITYOFTHEDECLARANTNEEDNOTBESHOWN( Rule2:803,inpart):

1. (6)Businessrecords.Amemorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,inanyform,ofacts,events,calculationsorconditions,madeatornearthetimeby,orfrominformationtransmittedby,apersonwithknowledgeinthecourseofaregularlyconductedbusinessactivity,andifitwastheregularpracticeofthatbusinessactivitytomakeandkeepthememorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,allasshownbythetestimonyofthecustodianorotherqualifiedwitness,unlessthesourceofinformationorthemethodorcircumstancesofpreparationindicatelackoftrustworthiness.Theterm"business"asusedinthisparagraphincludesbusiness,organization,institution,association,profession,occupation,andcallingofeverykind,whetherornotconductedforprofit.

2. §16.1-245.1.Medicalevidenceadmissibleinjuvenileanddomesticrelationsdistrictcourt.

Inanycivilcaseheardinajuvenileanddomesticrelationsdistrictcourtinvolving

allegationsofchildabuseorneglectorfamilyabuse,anypartymaypresentevidence,byareportfromthetreatingorexamininghealthcareproviderasdefinedin§8.01-581.1ortherecordsofahospital,medicalfacilityorlaboratoryatwhichthetreatment,examinationorlaboratoryanalysiswasperformed,orboth,astotheextent,nature,andtreatmentofanyphysicalconditionorinjurysufferedbyapersonandtheexaminationofthepersonortheresultofthelaboratoryanalysis. Amedicalreportshallbeadmittedifthepartyintendingtopresentsuchevidenceattrialorhearinggivestheopposingpartyorpartiesacopyoftheevidenceandwrittennoticeofintentiontopresentitatleasttendays,orinthecaseofapreliminaryremovalhearingunder§16.1-252or§16.1-253.1atleasttwenty-fourhours,priortothetrialorhearingandifattachedtosuchevidenceisaswornstatementofthetreatingorexamininghealthcareproviderorlaboratoryanalystwhomadethereportthat(i)theinformationcontainedthereinistrue,accurate,andfullydescribesthenatureandextentofthephysicalconditionorinjuryand(ii)thepatientnamedthereinwasthepersontreatedorexaminedbysuchhealthcareprovider;or,inthecaseofalaboratoryanalysis,thattheinformationcontainedthereinistrueandaccurate. Ahospitalorothermedicalfacilityrecordshallbeadmittedifattachedtoitisaswornstatementofthecustodianthereofthatthesameisatrueandaccuratecopyoftherecordofsuchhospitalorothermedicalfacility.Ifthereafterapartysummonsthehealthcareproviderorcustodianmakingsuchstatementtotestifyinproperpersonorbydepositiontakendebeneesse,thecourtshalldeterminewhichpartyshallpaythefeesandcostsforsuchappearanceor

depositions,ormayapportionthesameamongthepartiesinsuchproportionastheendsofjusticemayrequire.Ifsuchhealthcareproviderorcustodianisnotsubjecttosubpoenaforcross-examinationincourtorbyadepositiondebeneesse,thenthecourtshallallowareasonableopportunityforthepartyseekingthesubpoenaforsuchhealthcareproviderorcustodiantoobtainhistestimonyastheendsofjusticemayrequire.

3)Callsforservicerecords/policerecords

1. SendletterviaFOIArequestingrecords.SeeAttachedforms.

2. Absenceofrecords-ifyourequest,seeRule2:803HEARSAYEXCEPTIONSWHEREAVAILABILITYOFTHEDECLARANTNEEDNOTBESHOWN(inpart):

(10)Absenceofentriesinpublicrecordsandreports.(a)CivilCases.Anaffidavitsignedby

anofficer,orthedeputythereof,deemedtohavecustodyofrecordsofthisCommonwealth,ofanotherstate,oftheUnitedStates,ofanothercountry,orofanypoliticalsubdivisionoragencyofthesame,otherthanthoselocatedinaclerk'sofficeofacourt,statingthatafteradiligentsearch,norecordorentryofsuchrecordisfoundtoexistamongtherecordsinsuchofficeisadmissibleasevidencethattheofficehasnosuchrecordorentry.

4)§8.01-390.Nonjudicialrecordsasevidence(Subdivision(10)(a)ofSupremeCourtRule2:803derivedfromsubsectionCofthissection).

a.CopiesofrecordsofthisCommonwealth,ofanotherstate,oftheUnitedStates,ofanothercountry,orofanypoliticalsubdivisionoragencyofthesame,otherthanthoselocatedinaclerk'sofficeofacourt,shallbereceivedasprimafacieevidence,providedthatsuchcopiesareauthenticatedtobetruecopieseitherbythecustodianthereoforbythepersontowhomthecustodianreports,iftheyaredifferent.AdigitallycertifiedcopyofarecordprovidedpursuanttotheprovisionsofChapter38.2(§2.2-3817etseq.)ofTitle2.2,whetherinelectronicformorinprintformwithvisibleassuranceofthedigitalsignature,shallbedeemedtobeauthenticatedbythecustodianoftherecordunlessevidenceispresentedtothecontrary.

b.Recordsandrecordingsof911emergencyservicecallsshallbedeemedauthentictranscriptionsorrecordingsoftheoriginalstatementsiftheyareaccompaniedbyacertificatethatmeetstheprovisionsofsubsectionAandthecertificatecontainsthedateandtimeoftheincomingcallandtheincomingphonenumber,ifavailable,associatedwiththecall.

c.Anaffidavitsignedbyanofficerdeemedtohavecustodyofsuchanofficialrecord,orbyhisdeputy,statingthatafteradiligentsearch,norecordorentryofsuchrecordisfoundtoexistamongtherecordsinhisofficeisadmissibleasevidencethathisofficehasnosuchrecordorentry.

5) DMVrecords46.2-215,Boonev.Commonwealth

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/va-court-of-appeals/1667131.html

6) DSSrecords

1. Seeaboveexceptiontohearsay

7) Photographs/Vidoes-foundation,authentication

1. §8.01-420.2.Limitationonuseofrecordedconversationsasevidence.

Nomechanicalrecording,electronicorotherwise,ofatelephoneconversationshallbeadmittedintoevidenceinanycivilproceedingunless(i)allpartiestotheconversationwereawaretheconversationwasbeingrecordedor(ii)theportionoftherecordingtobeadmittedcontainsadmissionsthat,iftrue,wouldconstitutecriminalconductwhichisthebasisforthecivilaction,andoneofthepartieswasawareoftherecordingandtheproceedingisnotonefordivorce,separatemaintenanceorannulmentofamarriage.Theparties'knowledgeoftherecordingpursuanttoclause(i)shallbedemonstratedbyadeclarationatthebeginningoftherecordedportionoftheconversationtobeadmittedintoevidencethattheconversationisbeingrecorded.Thissectionshallnotapplytoemergencyreportingsystemsoperatedbypoliceandfiredepartmentsandbyemergencymedicalservicesagencies,nortoanycommunicationscommoncarrierutilizingserviceobservingorrandommonitoringpursuantto§19.2-62.

8) Socialmedia/communications-focusonfoundation&authentication.Howdoyouneedtousethis?Maybenotfortruthofthematter,ifnot,bereadytodefendwhytheinformationisrelevant?

1. Rule2:613PRIORSTATEMENTSOFWITNESS(inpart)::

(b)Contradictionbypriorinconsistentwriting.

(i)Generalrule.Inanycivilorcriminalcase,awitnessmaybecrossexaminedastopreviousstatementsmadebythewitnessinwritingorreducedtowriting,relatingtothesubjectmatteroftheaction,withoutsuchwritingbeingshowntothewitness;butiftheintentistocontradictsuchwitnessbythewriting,hisorherattentionmust,beforesuchcontradictoryproofcanbegiven,becalledtotheparticularoccasiononwhichthewritingissupposedtohavebeenmade;thewitnessmaybeaskedwhetherheorshemadeawritingofthepurportoftheonetobeoffered,andifthewitnessdeniesmakingit,ordoesnotadmititsexecution,itshallthenbeshowntothewitness,andifthewitnessadmitsitsgenuineness,thewitnessshallbeallowedtomakeanexplanationofit;butthecourtmay,atanytimeduringthetrial,requiretheproductionofthewritingforitsinspection,andthecourtmaythenmakesuchuseofitforthepurposeofthetrialasitmaythinkbest.

K. ExpertTestimony-Isyourexpert/professionaltestifyingasanexpertORafactwitness?

1. §8.01-401.1.Opiniontestimonybyexperts;hearsayexception(subsection(a)ofSupremeCourtRule2:703,subsection(a)ofSupremeCourtRule2:705,andsubsection(a)ofSupremeCourtRule2:706derivedfromthissection).

Inanycivilactionanyexpertwitnessmaygivetestimonyandrenderanopinionordrawinferencesfromfacts,circumstancesordatamadeknowntoorperceivedbysuchwitnessatorbeforethehearingortrialduringwhichheiscalledupontotestify.Thefacts,circumstancesordatarelieduponbysuchwitnessinforminganopinionordrawinginferences,ifofatypenormallyrelieduponbyothersintheparticularfieldofexpertiseinformingopinionsanddrawinginferences,neednotbeadmissibleinevidence.

Theexpertmaytestifyintermsofopinionorinferenceandgivehisreasonsthereforwithoutpriordisclosureoftheunderlyingfactsordata,unlessthecourtrequiresotherwise.Theexpertmayinanyeventberequiredtodisclosetheunderlyingfactsordataoncross-examination.

Totheextentcalledtotheattentionofanexpertwitnessuponcross-examinationorrelieduponbytheexpertwitnessindirectexamination,statementscontainedinpublishedtreatises,periodicalsorpamphletsonasubjectofhistory,medicineorotherscienceorart,establishedasareliableauthoritybytestimonyorbystipulation,shallnotbeexcludedashearsay.Ifadmitted,thestatementsmaybereadintoevidencebutmaynotbereceivedasexhibits.Ifthestatementsaretobeintroducedthroughanexpertwitnessupondirectexamination,copiesofthespecificstatementsshallbedesignatedasliteraturetobeintroducedduringdirectexaminationandprovidedtoopposingparties30dayspriortotrialunlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt.

Ifastatementhasbeendesignatedbyapartyinaccordancewithandsatisfiestherequirementsofthissection,theexpertwitnesscalledbythatpartyneednothavereliedonthestatementatthetimeofforminghisopinioninordertoreadthestatementintoevidenceduringdirectexaminationattrial.

2.§8.01-401.3.Opiniontestimonyandconclusionsastofactscriticaltocivilcaseresolution(SupremeCourtRule2:701derivedfromsubsectionBofthissection,subdivision(a)(i)ofSupremeCourtRule2:702derivedfromsubsectionAofthissection,andsubsection(a)ofSupremeCourtRule2:704derivedfromsubsectionsBandCofthissection).

A.Inacivilproceeding,ifscientific,technical,orotherspecializedknowledgewillassistthetrieroffacttounderstandtheevidenceortodetermineafactinissue,awitnessqualifiedasanexpertbyknowledge,skill,experience,training,oreducationmaytestifytheretointheformofanopinionorotherwise.

B.Noexpertorlaywitnesswhiletestifyinginacivilproceedingshallbeprohibitedfromexpressinganotherwiseadmissibleopinionorconclusionastoanymatteroffactsolelybecausethatfactistheultimateissueorcriticaltotheresolutionofthecase.However,innoeventshallsuchwitnessbepermittedtoexpressanyopinionwhichconstitutesaconclusionoflaw.

C.Exceptasprovidedbytheprovisionsofthissection,theexceptionstothe"ultimatefactinissue"rulerecognizedintheCommonwealthpriortoenactmentofthissectionshallremaininfullforce.

3.Rule2:702TESTIMONYBYEXPERTS(Rule2:702(a)(i)derivedfromCode§8.01-401.3(A))

(a)UseofExpertTestimony.

(i)Inacivilproceeding,ifscientific,technical,orotherspecializedknowledgewillassistthetrieroffacttounderstandtheevidenceortodetermineafactinissue,awitnessqualifiedasanexpertbyknowledge,skill,experience,training,oreducationmaytestifytheretointheformofanopinionorotherwise.

(ii)Inacriminalproceeding,experttestimonyisadmissibleifthestandardssetforthinsubdivision(a)(i)ofthisRulearemetand,inaddition,thecourtfindsthatthesubjectmatteris

beyondtheknowledgeandexperienceofordinarypersons,suchthatthejuryneedsexpertopinioninordertocomprehendthesubjectmatter,formanintelligentopinion,anddrawitsconclusions.

(b)Formofopinion.Experttestimonymayincludeopinionsofthewitnessestablishedwithareasonabledegreeofprobability,oritmayaddressempiricaldatafromwhichsuchprobabilitymaybeestablishedinthemindofthefinderoffact.Testimonythatisspeculative,orwhichopinesonthecredibilityofanotherwitness,isnotadmissible.

4.§19.2-175.Compensationofexperts.

Eachpsychiatrist,clinicalpsychologistorotherexpertappointedbythecourttorenderprofessionalservicepursuantto§19.2-168.1,19.2-169.1,19.2-169.5,19.2-182.8,19.2-182.9,19.2-264.3:1,19.2-264.3:3or19.2-301,whoisnotregularlyemployedbytheCommonwealthofVirginiaexceptbytheUniversityofVirginiaSchoolofMedicineandtheMedicalCollegeofVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity,shallreceiveareasonablefeeforsuchservice....

L. OtherLayWitnesses:

1. Rule2:701OPINIONTESTIMONYBYLAYWITNESSES

Opiniontestimonybyalaywitnessisadmissibleifitisreasonablybaseduponthepersonalexperienceorobservationsofthewitnessandwillaidthetrieroffactinunderstandingthewitness'perceptions.Layopinionmayrelatetoanymatter,suchas-butnotlimitedto-sanity,capacity,physicalconditionordisability,speedofavehicle,thevalueofproperty,identity,causation,time,themeaningofwords,similarityofobjects,handwriting,visibilityorthegeneralphysicalsituationataparticularlocation.However,laywitnesstestimonythatamountsonlytoanopinionoflawisnotadmissible

M. Businessrecords.Amemorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,inanyform,ofacts,events,calculationsorconditions,madeatornearthetimeby,orfrominformationtransmittedby,apersonwithknowledgeinthecourseofaregularlyconductedbusinessactivity,andifitwastheregularpracticeofthatbusinessactivitytomakeandkeepthememorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,allasshownbythetestimonyofthecustodianorotherqualifiedwitness,unlessthesourceofinformationorthemethodorcircumstancesofpreparationindicatelackoftrustworthiness.Theterm"business"asusedinthisparagraphincludesbusiness,organization,institution,association,profession,occupation,andcallingofeverykind,whetherornotconductedforprofit.

1. §8.01-390.3.Businessrecordsasevidence(Subdivision(6)ofSupremeCourtRule2:902derivedinpartfromthissection).

A. Inanyproceedingwhereabusinessrecordismaterialandotherwiseadmissible,authenticationoftherecordandthefoundationrequiredbysubdivision(6)ofRule2:803oftheRulesofSupremeCourtofVirginiamaybelaidby(i)witnesstestimony,(ii)acertificationoftheauthenticityofandfoundationfortherecordmadebythecustodianofsuchrecordorotherqualifiedwitnesseitherbyaffidavitorbydeclarationpursuantto§8.01-4.3,or(iii)acombinationofwitnesstestimonyandacertification.

B. Theproponentofabusinessrecordshall(i)givewrittennoticetoallotherpartiesifacertificationunderthissectionwillberelieduponinwholeorinpartinauthenticatingandlayingthefoundationforadmissionofsuchrecordand(ii)providea

copyoftherecordandthecertificationtoallotherparties,sothatallpartieshaveafairopportunitytochallengetherecordandcertification.Thenoticeandcopyoftherecordandcertificationshallbeprovidednolaterthan15daysinadvanceofthetrialorhearing,unlessanorderofthecourtspecifiesadifferenttime.Objectionsshallbemadewithinfivedaysthereafter,unlessanorderofthecourtspecifiesadifferenttime.Ifanypartytimelyobjectstorelianceuponthecertification,theauthenticationandfoundationrequiredbysubdivision(6)ofRule2:803oftheRulesofSupremeCourtofVirginiashallbemadebywitnesstestimonyunlesstheobjectioniswithdrawn.

C. Acertifiedbusinessrecordthatsatisfiestherequirementsofthissectionshallbeself-authenticatingandrequiresnoextrinsicevidenceofauthenticity.

D. AcopyofabusinessrecordmaybeofferedinlieuofanoriginaluponsatisfactionoftherequirementsofsubsectionDof§8.01-391bywitnesstestimony,acertification,oracombinationoftestimonyandacertification.

N. Rule2:406HABITANDROUTINEPRACTICEINCIVILCASES

(a)Admissibility.Inacivilcase,evidenceofaperson'shabitorofanorganization'sroutinepractice,whethercorroboratedornotandregardlessofthepresenceofeyewitnesses,isrelevanttoprovethattheconductofthepersonororganizationonaparticularoccasionconformedwiththehabitorroutinepractice.Evidenceofpriorconductmayberelevanttorebutevidenceofhabitorroutinepractice.

(b)Habitandroutinepracticedefined.A"habit"isaperson'sregularresponsetorepeatedspecificsituations.A"routinepractice"isaregularcourseofconductofagroupofpersonsoranorganizationinresponsetorepeatedspecificsituations.

O. Rule2:608IMPEACHMENTBYEVIDENCEOFREPUTATIONFORTRUTHTELLINGANDCONDUCTOFWITNESS(inpart)

(c)Cross-examinationofcharacterwitness.Specificinstancesofconductmay,ifprobativeoftruthfulnessor·untruthfulness,beinquiredintooncrossexaminationofacharacterwitnessconcerningthecharactertraitfortruthfulnessoruntruthfulnessofanotherwitnessastowhosecharactertraitthewitnessbeingcross-examinedhastestified.

VI:Professionalism

I. DealingwithprosecutorsasGAL-Dealingwiththeprosecutorisgoingtovarydependingonwhoisbeingprosecuted.SometimeswearecalleduponasGALstobeaGuardianforapotentialchildwitness,inthatinstance,thevictimwitnessadvocateisthebestplacetostart,asheorshewilllikelyhavehadcontactwithyourwardalready.Rememberthatyouhavearesponsibilitytogetpermissionfromtheparent’sdefenseattorneypriortocontactingthatparent.IfyouhavebeenappointedastheGALforachildthatisfacingdelinquencycharges,thenitcanbehelpfultoyourwardtospeakwiththeprosecutortofindoutwhattherealgoalofprosecutionis--maybetheprosecutorwillbeonboardwithseekingmentalhealthorcounselingservicesiftheyarejustpresentedwithapotentialplan. II. Dealingwithdefensecounsel

1. LEO1870

III. Dealingwithparties’counsel

1. LEO1870 IV. TIPSFORDEALINGWITHTHEGUARDIANADLITEMFORCHILDREN A. DetermineearlyinyourrepresentationifyourclientwillinteractwiththeGuardianadlitemdirectlyandpromptlyrespondtotherequestforconsentfromtheGuardianadlitem.

B. EnsureyourclientcompletestheGuardianadlitem’squestionnairefullyandreturnsitpromptlyandschedulesanappointmentwiththeGuardianadlitemassoonaspossible.

C. Communicateyourclient’spositiontotheGuardianadlitemshortlyafterappointment.Pleasepresentthepositionbasedonfactswithoutrelyingsolelyonyourclient’sfeelingsandopinions.

D. DuringtheinitialconversationwiththeGuardianadlitem,askhowtheGuardianadlitempreferstobecontacted(e-mail,cell,text,etc.)bybothcounselandtheclient.EnsurethateitheryouoryourclientmaintainsregularcontactwiththeGuardianadlitem.

E. ProvidenamesandcontactinformationofsuggestedsourcesofinformationandprovideafewsentencessummarizingtheinformationCounselbelievesthesourcewillprovide.

F. PrepareyourclienttomeetwiththeGuardianadlitem.Educateyourclientonthebestinterestfactorsandassistthemwithpreparinginformationrelatedtothosefactors.AssistyourclientinpreparingnecessarydocumentstoprovidetotheGuardianadlitemsuchasvisitationlogs,textmessages,ande-mailcommunication.EnsurethesedocumentsareprovidedtotheGuardianadlitempreferablypriortotheinitialmeeting).

*ExplainthatthereisnoconfidentialityregardingthecommunicationbetweenthepartyandtheGuardianadlitem.

G. EducateyourclientontheGuardianadlitem’srolesothattheclienthasreasonable

andrealisticexpectations.Remember“theGuardianadlitemisafullandactiveparticipantintheproceedingswhoindependentlyinvestigates,assesses,andadvocatesforthechild’sinterests.”

*Inparticular,educatetheclientontheindependentnatureoftheGuardianadlitemsothattheclientunderstandsthattheGuardianadlitemdoesnotworkforanyparty(despitewhorequestedtheappointmentofaGuardianadlitem)andexplaintotheclientwhyafinancialformisrequiredbytheCourtandhowandwhenthecostsoftheGuardianadlitemareassessedtoaparty. *Additionally,adviseyourclientthatitisnotappropriatetotellthe child(ren)whattothetelltheGuardianadlitemandadviseyourclientnot toquestionthechild(ren)aboutthediscussions/hehadwiththeGuardian adlitem.

H. BemindfulthattheattorneyclientprivilegedoesapplytotheGuardianadlitemand

thechild(ren)andberespectfulofthelimitationsthatsurroundthatprivilege.

I. Donotspeakwiththechild(ren).Ifyoubelieveitisnecessarytoyour

representationofyourclienttospeakwiththechild(ren),youmustobtainconsent fromtheGuardianadlitem.Pleaseexplainthistoyourclientatthebeginningof therepresentationifitappearsitwillbecomeanissueorarequestbyyourclient.

J. PleasecontacttheGuardianadlitembeforeissuingawitnesssubpoenaforthechild(ren).Bepreparedtodiscussyouropinionandperceptiononwhythechild(ren)isanecessarywitnessandbewillingtobeopentodiscussingalternatives.PleasebemindfulthattheGuardianadlitemcannot“testify”byprovidinginformationthatwouldbeelicitedfromthechild(ren)oranyotherinterviewedparty.

K. Communicateprofessionallyandrespectfully.Ifthereareconcernsraisedbytheclient,calltheGuardianadlitemandexpresstheconcernsandhaveanhonestandopendiscussion.Pleasedonotalwaysassumeyourclienthasprovidedyouwithalloftheinformationorthatyourclientknowsalloftheinformation.

L. EnsureyourclientprovidesupdatestotheGuardianadliteminamanneracceptabletotheGuardianadlitem(seeparagraph4).Educateyourclientsothats/heunderstandsthattheGuardianadlitemcannotprovidethemlegaladvice(“whatdoIdoabouthimviolatingtheorder)butstillneedstobemadeawareoftheissuesandconcernssothattheGuardianadlitemcaninvestigate.

VII:Hearing I. Asyouinvestigate,continuouslyanalyzetheinformationanddocumentsthatyouhavereceivedandthinkabouthowthatinformationorthosedocumentswouldcomeintoevidence.Thinkaboutwhatistherelevantandnecessaryinformationforthejudgetomakeadecision.

A. Inadvanceoftrial,consultwithothercounselregardingtheevidenceyouintendtopresent.Considerstipulationsinordertostreamlinethecaseforpresentation. B. Issuewitnesssubpoenastimely.Va.Code§§8.01-407;16.1-265 C. Issuesubpoenasducestecumtimely.Va.Code§§16.1-89,16.1-131 D. Determineifyouneedtofilemotions/petitions/showcause.Ifyoufileashowcause,bepreparedtoactuallyprosecuteit.KnowyourjurisdictionandunderstandwhenyouhavetofilewiththeCourtServicesUnitversusattorneyfilingsintheclerk’soffice. II. PresentEvidenceandCallWitnessesasyoudeemappropriateandnecessary III. Makelegalargumentsthatareappropriateandconsistentwithyourwardsbestinterest.

A. YourrecommendationshouldnotincludehearsayorintroduceevidenceorfactsthathavenotbeenpresentedtotheCourt.Youmaywanttotaketheopportunitytoletthecourtknow,inbroadstatements,whatyourinvestigationentailed(i.e.Myinvestigationincludedinterviewingschoolpersonnel,counselors,thepediatrician,theparents,severalreferencesfortheparents,andthechild).

VIII:Afterthehearing

I. CoordinatehowyouwillsharetheCourtorderwiththechild(ren)afterthetrial. II. Appeal? III. Appointmentonappeal?SeeAttachedform.

EthicalConsiderationsforGALs WrittenbyLeslieA.T.Haley,Esquire,HaleyLaw,PLC

I.GeneralApproach 1. Fulfillallofthedutieswhichapplytoaguardianadlitem. 2. WherefulfillingaspecificdutyofaguardianadlitemconflictswiththetraditionaldutygoverninganattorneyasexpressedintheRulesofProfessionalConduct,fulfillingthedutyoftheguardianadlitemshouldprevail. 3. WherefulfillingaspecificdutyofaguardianadlitemdoesnotconflictwiththedutiesgoverninganattorneyasexpressedintheRulesofProfessionalConduct,theguardianadlitemshouldfollowthetraditionalcourseofactionintheRulesofProfessionalConduct. 4. Attempttominimizeoccasionswhentheapparentdutyofaguardianadlitemappearstobeinconflictwiththeapparentdutyofanattorneyinanattorney-clientrelationship. Ingeneralterms,themostchallengingethicalproblemfacedbyaguardianadlitemoccurswhentheguardianadlitemfacesaconflictbetweenadutythattraditionallygovernstheconductofanattorneyinanattorney-clientrelationship,andadutythatgovernstheconductofanattorneyactingasaguardianadlitem.II. DutiesandAuthorityofaGuardianadlitemA. DutiesandAuthorityArisefromMultipleSources.ThedutiesandauthorityofaguardianadlitemaresetforthinRule8:6oftheRulesoftheSupremeCourtofVirginia,intheOrderappointingtheguardianadlitem,in§8.01-9oftheVirginiaCode,theStandardstoGovernthePerformanceofGuardiansadLitemforChildrenandinavarietyofjudicialopinions.B. Rule8:6oftheRulesoftheSupremeCourtofVirginia.Rule8:6TheRolesofCounselandofGuardianadlitemWhenRepresentingChildren.Theroleofcounselforachildistherepresentationofthechild’slegitimateinterests.Whenappointedforachild,theguardianadlitemshallvigorouslyrepresentthechild,fullyprotectingthechild’sinterestandwelfare.Theguardianadlitemshalladvisethecourtofthe

wishesofthechildinanycasewherethewishesofthechildconflictwiththeopinionoftheguardianadlitemastowhatisinthechild’sinterestandwelfare.See,Stanleyv.FairfaxCountyDepartmentofSocialServices,242Va.60,62,405S.E.2d621(1991)Indeterminingtheethicaldutiesofanattorneyservingasguardianadlitem,theLegalEthicsCommitteehasrecognizedthattherelationshipoftheguardianadlitemandchildisdifferentfromtherelationshipofattorneyandclient.1Inreconcilingthedifferencesbetweenthetraditionalethicaldutiesanattorneyowestoaclient,andthelegalobligationsthataguardianadlitemmustdischarge,thecommitteebelievesthatwherefulfillingaspecificdutyoftheguardianadlitemconflictswiththetraditionaldutiesrequiredofanattorneyundertheRulesofProfessionalConduct,thespecificdutyoftheguardianadlitemshouldprevail.Whenthedutiesdonotconflict,theguardianadlitemshouldfollowtraditionalcourseofactionrequiredundertheRulesofProfessionalConduct.LEO1844C. TheOrderofAppointment.TheOrderforAppointmentofGuardianAdLitem(DC-514)providesthattheguardianadlitemisappointed“toprotectandrepresenttheinterestsof[child]inconnectionwithallproceedingsinvolvedinthismatter.”TheOrderofAppointmentprovidesfurtherthattheguardianadlitem“performtheduties...specifiedonthereverseandincorporatedbyreferenceintothisorder.”Thedutiesincorporatedbyreferenceincludethefollowing: 1. RepresentthechildinaccordancewithRule8:6oftheRulesoftheSupremeCourtofVirginia. 2. Advisethecourtrelativetothefollowing: a. theresultsoftheguardianadlitem’sinvestigationofthecase; b. theguardianadlitem’srecommendationastoanytestingnecessarytomakeaneffectivedispositionofthecase; c. theguardianadlitem’srecommendationastotheplacementofthechildanddispositionofthecase; d. theresultsoftheguardianadlitem’smonitoringofthechild’swelfareandoftheparties’compliancewiththecourtsorders; e. theguardianadlitem’srecommendationastotheservicestobemadeavailabletothechildandfamilyorhouseholdmembers. 3. Fileappropriatepetitions,motionsandotherpleadingsandappealsonbehalfofthechild. 4. TheguardianadlitemisauthorizedtoappearattheFamilyAssessmentandPlanningTeamandatpanelreviewhearingsconductedbythelocalDepartmentofSocialServicespursuanttoVirginiaCode§63.1-56.2.

D. JudicialOpinions.TheappellatecourtsofVirginiahaveaddressedtheauthorityofaguardianadliteminseveralcases: 1. Aguardianadlitemcanconsenttoatransfertoanotherjurisdictionofacaseinvolvinganinfant’srights.Lemmonv.Herbert,92Va.653,24S.E.249(1896). 2. Aguardianadlitemcanfile“affirmativepleadingsnecessarytoprotecttheward’sinterest.”Stanleyv.FairfaxCountyDepartmentofSocialServices,242Va.60,62,405S.E.2d621(1991). InStanley,theCourtheldthataguardianadlitemofchildrenhasstandingtopetitionforterminationofresidualparentalrights.TheCourtreasonedthatVa.Code§16.1-241(A)providesthattheJuvenileandDomesticRelationsDistrictCourtconsiderpetitionsfiledby“anypartywithalegitimateinteresttherein.”TheCourtfoundthataguardianadlitem“certainlyhasalegitimateinterestinwhetherhiswardistobesubjectedtocontinuedabuseandneglect.”Stanley,242Va.60at63.Additionally,theCourtcitedVirginiaCode§8.01-9asauthoritysupportingitsconclusionthataguardianadlitemmayfileapetitionseekingterminationofresidualparentalrightsifaguardianadlitembelievesthatthebestinterestsofhiswardcompelterminationoftheparents’rights. Wheretheguardianadlitemauthoritytoactisunclear,considerfilingamotionwiththeappointingcourtseekinganorderspecificallyauthorizingtheproposedactiononbehalfofthechild.TheproposedactionshouldreflecttheguardianadlitemdutyunderRule8:6tofullyprotectthechild’sinterestsandwelfare.Additionally,reviewthereasoningoftheSupremeCourtofVirginiainStanley,whichlookedatwhythechildwasbeforethecourt(allegationsofabuseandneglect),andexaminetheguardianadlitem’sproposedactiontodeterminewhetheritwouldfurtherthechild’sinterestsinthatregard.Isyourproposedactiononewhichpromotesthechild’sinterestsinrelationtothereasonwhythechildiswithinthecourt’sjurisdiction?III. Rule1.2:ScopeofRepresentation Asdiscussedabove,theguardianadlitemisnotboundbythechildclient’sexpressedwishes,butthechild’sbestinterests.Thatfundamentaldutyoftheguardianadlitemconflictswiththetraditionalroleofthelawyerasadvocatefortheclient.Itisalsoinconsistentwiththelawyer’sfundamentalresponsibilityunderRule1.2toabidebyaclient’sdecisionsabouttheobjectivesofthecase.Guardianadlitemsarerequiredbystatutetopresenttothecourtwhattheythinkisinthechild’sbestinterests,aswellasthereasoningandfactsthatsupportthisconclusion,regardlessoftheclient’sexpressedwishes. Thisisfurthercomplicatedbecauseaguardianadlitemmustconsiderthechild’spositionwhenassessingthechild’sbestinterests.Thisincludesfactorssuchasthechild’sage,maturity,mentalcapacity,competenceandenvironment,whichshouldallbeconsideredbytheguardianadlitemwhenweighingthechild’swishesversuswhatisintheirbestinterest. Eventhoughthechild’swishesmaybeinconsistentwiththeguardianadlitem’sopiniontheguardianadlitemhasadutytomakethechild’swishesknowntothecourt.

IV. Rule1.6:ConfidentialityApplyingtheconfidentialityrulestoguardianadlitemscanbeconfusing.Adifficultissueforaguardianadlitemiswhetherandtowhatdegreetokeepconfidentialcertaincommunicationsbetweentheguardianadlitemandchild.Theconfidentialitynormallyrequiredinthelawyer/clientrelationshipmightpreventaguardianadlitemfromcarryingoutthestatutorydutytoadvocatewhatshethinksisinthebestinterestofthechild.ThisisbecauseRule1.6preventstheguardianadlitemfromdisclosinginformationprovidedbythechildthatarguablyshouldbedisclosedtothecourtforanadjudicationofthechild’sbestinterestsunderthestature.Consequently,aguardianadlitemgenerallymustbendtherestrictionsofRule1.6todisclosetothecourtrelevantandnecessaryinformationprovidedbythechild.Thereisnosatisfactorywaytoresolvethisethicaldilemma.What,then,shouldtheguardianadlitemdoifthechildinformstheguardianadlitemofrelevantfactsthatthechilddoesnotwanttobedivulged? Aslegalcounselforthechild’sbestinterests,theguardianadlitemmustexplaintothechild,ifpossible,thattheguardianadlitemischargedwithadvocatingthechild’sbestinterestsandthatotherwiseconfidentialinformationmaybeprovidedtothecourt.Whatshouldtheguardianadlitemdoifthechildinformstheguardianadlitemofrelevantfactsthatthechilddoesnotwanttobedivulged? Theguardianadlitemshouldadvisethechild,beforesolicitinginformation,thattheinformationwillnotbeconfidential.Thechildthencanmakeinformeddecisionsaboutwhattodisclose.Thisadvisementisespeciallyimportantwhenrepresentingolderchildrenwhooftenhaveasophisticatedunderstandingofwhatcharacterizesalawyer/clientrelationship.Manyyoungpeopleseelawyersinmovies,television,andothermedia.They,orsomeonetheyknow,oftenhavepersonalexperiencewiththelegalsystem.Theymayassumetheirlawyerwillkeepinformationconfidential.Tomakesuretheguardianadlitemdoesnotviolatethetrustoftheseyoungpeople,itiscriticaltoletchildclientsknowthattheguardianadlitem’sroleistotellthejudgewhattheguardianadlitemthinksisbestforthechildandwhy.Theguardianadlitemalsoshouldletthechildknowthatshemighthavetorevealmatterstheywilldiscusstothejudge,thesocialworker,orsomeoneelse.ReconcilingtheConfidentialityDuty. 1. Asageneralprinciple,theguardianadlitemshouldtrytomaintaintheconfidentialityofinformationprovidedbythechild,aswellasinformationprovidedbyothers. 2. Wheredisclosureofotherwiseconfidentialinformationwouldberequiredinordertofullyprotectthechild’sinterestsandwelfare,theguardianadlitemisunderadutytodisclosetheinformation.Rule8:6.Theguardianadlitemischargedwiththedutyof“fullyprotectingthechild’sinterestsandwelfare.”Rule8:6. 3. Wheretheinformationthatneedstobedisclosedisrelatedtoaconflictbetweenthewishesofthechildandtheopinionoftheguardianadlitem,theguardianadlitemhasadutytoadvisethecourtofthewishesofthechild.Rule8:6.Onecanreadilyimagineasetoffactsinwhichaguardianadlitemwouldfeelcompelledtodiscloseotherwiseconfidentialinformationinordertoservethechild’sinterestsandwelfare. 4. TheStandardstoGovernthePerformanceofGuardianadLitemforChildrenrequiretheguardianadlitemtoadvisethechildofthelimitationsonconfidentialityandthefactthatthere

maybecircumstanceswhenconfidentialitywillnotapplytotheircommunicationsandtimeswhenitwill.Therewillbeoccasionswhenthechild’swillingnesstodiscloseinformationisconsistentwiththeguardianadlitem’sjudgmentastowhatinformationneedstobedisclosedinordertoprotectthechild’sinterestsandwelfare.However,otheroccasionsmayarisewherethechild’swishesconcerningdisclosureareinconsistentwiththeguardianadlitem’sdutytothecourt.GALStandardsIntroductoryComments:“Injuveniledelinquency,childinneedofsupervision,childinneedofservices,andstatusoffensecases,theguardianadlitemshouldexercisecautionwhentalkingtothechildaboutthecircumstancesoftheoffenseandadvisethechildaboutthelimitationsonconfidentialitythatmayapply.” 5. Whatisimportanttokeepinmindisthatthedecisiontodiscloseornotdisclosetheinformationbelongstotheguardianadlitemratherthantothechild.

V. Client-LawyerRelationship A. MaintainingNormalClient-LawyerRelationship Theclient-lawyerrelationshipassumesthattheclient,whenproperlyadvisedandassisted,canmakedecisionsaboutimportantmatters.Inotherwords,thepresumptionisthattheclienthascapacity.Therule’sfirstinstructionisthatwhenaclient’scapacitytomakedecisionsisdiminished,thelawyershall,asfarasreasonablypossible,maintainanormalclient-lawyerrelationship.Capacitymaybediminishedbyaclient’sage,drugaddiction,mentalimpairment,orforsomeotherreason.A“normalclient-lawyerrelationship”meansthelawyerowesdutiesofloyalty,confidentiality,diligence,conflictofinterest,competence,communication,andadvice. Maintaininganormalclient-lawyerrelationshiprequirescommunicatingregularly.Eventhoughwehaveexplainedthataguardianadlitemdoesnothaveatraditionallawyer/clientrelationshipwiththechild,aspertheStandards,theguardianadlitemshould:-Meetfacetofaceandinterviewthechild.StandardA.-Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthenatureofallproceedings,thechild’srights,theroleandresponsibilitiesoftheguardianadlitem,thecourtprocessandthepossibleconsequencesofthelegalaction.StandardC.-Communicate,coordinateandmaintainaprofessionalworkingrelationshipinsofaraspossiblewithallpartieswithoutsacrificingindependence.StandardI.-Advisethechild,intermsthechildcanunderstand,ofthecourt’sdecisionanditsconsequencesforthechildandothersinthechild’slife.StandardK. Thecommentarytotherulesisclearthataclientwithdiminishedcapacityoftencanunderstand,deliberateupon,andreachconclusionsaboutmattersaffectingtheclient’swell-being.Itfurtherexplainsthat“childrenasyoungasfiveorsixyearsofage,andcertainlythoseof10or12,areregardedashavingopinionsthatareentitledtoweightinlegalproceedingsconcerningtheircustody.” B. AssessingClientCapacity Indeterminingwhetheraclienthascapacitytomakecertaindecisions,lawyersshouldknowthattheycanhaveastronginfluenceonaclient’sdecisions.Paternalistictendenciescanbeproblematicforeventhemostwell-intentionedparents’andchildren’slawyers.Lawyersneedtobeawareofthepowerdynamicsandotherfactorsthatinfluencetherelationshipand

representation. Justbecausealawyerdisagreeswithaclient’sdecision,orthinkswhattheclientwantsisnotbestfortheclient,doesnotmeantheclientlackscapacitytomakedecisions.Aclient’sdecisionmayresultfrommanythings—fear,lackofunderstanding,subjectiveinterests—notnecessarilydiminishedcapacity.Thelawyershouldfocusonthedecision-makingprocess,notwhethersheapprovesofthedecision. C. Factorstoconsiderwhenassessingclientcapacity: a. Cognitiveability- Insomecasesalawyermayneedtotalktothechild’stherapistandpsychiatristtounderstandtheircognitiveabilityifthey’vebeendiagnosedwithapsychoticdisorder. b. Emotionalandmentaldevelopment&stability- Thisoftenchangesfromoneinterviewtothenext,andcanchangedramaticallyincertaincases.Forexample,considertheimpactofachild’sdruguseonheremotionalandmentalstability. c. Abilitytocommunicate- Achildmayatfirstbeunabletocommunicateherfeelings,however,throughtime,medication,counseling,andotherinterventionsshemaybeabletolaterengageinmeaningfulcommunication. d. Abilitytounderstandconsequences- Hasthelawyerexplainedthecase,includingconsequencesofcertaindecisionstohelptheclientunderstand? e. Consistencyofdecisions- Thereisnothingwrongwithsayingtothecourt“Maryhasmixedfeelings,yourHonor…”ThelawyershoulddiscussinadvancewithMaryexactlywhatwillbesaidtothejudge. f. Strengthofwishes- IfMaryhadbeenadamantaboutwantingtoreturntohermother’s,andthefostermotherhadreportedthatshecriedconstantlyforhermother,andherbehaviorimprovedaftervisitswithhermother,thiswouldaffecttheadvocacyefforts. g. Opinionsofother– Whenconsultingfamilymembersorprofessionalsinvolvedwiththecase,lawyermustkeeptheclient’sinterestsforemostinhermind.Theguardianadlitemshouldalsobeawareofanybiasesandmisunderstandingthatfamilymembersor othersmayhave,andattempttoweighthesefactorsindeterminingtheclient’sbestinterests.Thus,undertheRulesofProfessionalConduct,thelawyershouldspeaktootherswhohaveaninterestinthecasetogettheirinputonwhatthechildwants.Butthelawyershouldbeawareofanybiasormisunderstandingthatmayimpactthechild’sreturnhome.Forchildren(inadditiontoabovefactors):child’sage(agealoneisnotdispositive)child’sdevelopmentalsta

D. ViewingCapacityasaContinuum Justbecauseaclienthasdiminishedcapacity,aclientmaybeabletounderstand,weigh,andreachconclusionsaboutmattersaffectingherwell-being.Forexample,achildmaynotunderstandpermanencyissues,andmaynotbeabletoanswerhowheorshewouldactuallyfeelaboutreturninghomeifaparent’scurrentparamourlivedtherefulltime.Butthatchildmayunderstandandgiveherreasonsonissuessuchasvisitation,includinghowoftenandunderwhatconditions(unsupervised,supervisedbygrandmother,supervisedbyhercaseworker)shewouldliketovisithermother. Increasingly,thelawrecognizesdegreesofcapacity.Evenwhenaclientisimpaired,shecanparticipateinsomedecisions.Inotherwords,aclientmayhavecapacityforsomeissues,butnotothers.ArecentWisconsincaseheldthattherearedifferentlevelsofcapacity,andthatajuvenilewhohasbeendeclaredincompetenttoparticipateinthedelinquencyproceedingsdoesnotnecessarilylackcapacitytounderstandthesanctionsina“juvenileinneedofprotectionandservices”case. E. TheDifferenceBetweenCapacityandCompetence Capacityreferstoaclient’sabilitytounderstandinformationrelevanttothecaseandtheabilitytoappreciatetheconsequencesofdecision. Doestheclientreallyknowwhatthecaseisabout,whatishappening,andwhatconsequencesmightresultfromcertainactionsorinactions?Capacityreferstoabilityandcomesinvariousdegrees. Competenceisalegalstandard,anddenotesaspecificlevelofskill,knowledge,orability.Themostcriticaldistinctionbetweenthetwoconceptsisthatcompetenceisacharacteristicthatsomeoneeitherpossessesordoesn’t.Itisanallornothingprinciple.Usuallycompetenceisassociatedwithalegalstandard,usedtoansweralegalquestion.Forexample,inaskingwhetheranindividualis“competenttostandtrial,”thecourtconsidersevidenceandissuesarulingthattheindividualeitherisorisnotcompetent.VII. Rule1.7&1.9:ConflictsofInterestThereareseveralethicalissuesthatroutinelyconfrontthelawyer-guardianadlitemappointedindependencycases.Becausetheguardianadlitem’srolediffersfromthatinthetraditionallawyer/clientrelationship,theguardianadlitem’suniquerolecomplicatesresolvingtraditionalethicsconflicts. A. GuardianadlitemPotentialConflictsWhenRepresentingMultipleChildrenAguardianadlitemmayfaceadifferentconflictanalysiswhenrepresentingmultiplechildrenofthesamefamily.Theseconflicts,however,arevieweddifferentlythantraditionalconflictsbytheguardianadlitemwhosedutyistoprotecttheinterestsofthechildren,evenifcontrarytothechildren’swishes.Becausetheguardianadlitem’srolediffersfromthatinthetraditionalattorney-clientrelationship,theguardianadlitem’suniquerolecomplicatesresolvingtraditionalethicsconflicts.Fromtheguardianadlitem’sperspective,whenrepresentingmultiplechildren,theremaybeno

conflictofinterestbecausetheargumentsforplacingthechildren,althoughseeminglycontradictory,ultimatelyservetheirbestinterests.Thus,theguardianadlitemwouldhavenoneedtowithdrawfromrepresentingone,orall,ofthechildren.Nevertheless,representingthebestinterestsofmultipleclientsbyaguardianadlitemisnotwithoutpotentialconflicts.Supposethattheguardianadlitemrepresentsthreechildrenranginginagefrom10monthsto17yearsoldinasituationwheremomisaccusedofdrugabuse.Whilethe17yearoldcanconfirmthatheisbondedtohismotherandeducationalstabilityiskeytohisfinishinghighschool.Becauseofhisagemother’soccasionaldrugusedoesnotimpacthissafetyorwell-beinglikethatoftheyoungerchildren.Inthistypeofsituationtheguardianadlitemmayadvocatefortheolderchildtoremainathomeandtheyoungerchildrentobeplacedinfostercare.Fromtheguardianadlitem’sperspective,theremaynotbeaconflictofinterestbecausetheargumentsforplacingthechildren,althoughseeminglycontradictory,ultimatelyservetheirbestinterests.Thus,theguardianadlitemwouldnotneedtowithdrawfromrepresentingeitherchild.Nevertheless,whenaguardianadlitemrepresentsthebestinterestsofmultipleclientstheremaybeaconflict.Slightlychangingthefactschangestheanalysisandtheoutcomeoftheethicaldilemma.Ifthe17yearold’stherapistrecommendsthatheremainwithhisyoungersiblingsbecausethosearehisstrongestfamilialties,buttheyoungerchildren’streatmentprovidersbelievethe17yearoldtobeanegativeinfluenceontheyoungerchildrenthentheguardianadlitemfacesaquandary.Advocatingforthebestinterestofonesiblingmaycompromisethebestinterestsofanothersibling.Inthiscase,theguardianadlitemshouldaskthecourttoappointadifferentguardianadlitemfortheyoungerchildren.CantheguardianadlitemWithdrawfromOne,ButNottheOtherCase? Contrarytotraditionalethicsconflictanalysis,wherealawyershouldwithdrawfrombothcaseswhenaconflictarises,inthecaseofaguardianadlitemthatanalysismaydiffer.Intheabovefactpattern,thelawyercouldcontinueasguardianadlitemforthe17yearoldandaskthecourttoappointadifferentguardianadlitemfortheotherchildreninthecase. However,withaslightlydifferenttwistofthefacts,theconflictsanalysiswouldbedifferent.Whereaguardianadlitemwasappointedtoreptwochildren,oneage7whoisseverelyemotionallydisturbedwithbehavioralproblemsandoneage1.Bothhavebeenremovedfromthehomeandareinseparatefosterhomesbecauseoftheirdistinctneeds.Theinfant’sfosterparentsandDSSbelieveheshouldhavenocontactwiththe7yearoldbecauseofhissevereproblems.Theguardianadlitem,however,hasconcludedthatit’sinthebestinterestsofthe7yearoldtomaintainarelationshipwithhisinfantbrotherbecauseheviewshimselfashisprotectorandishisonlyemotionalbond. Here,theinterestsofthechildrenareinconflict.Inordertovigorouslyadvocateonbehalfofthechildren’sdifferinginterests,theguardianadlitemwouldneedtoproveandarguetwoantagonisticpositions.Thiswouldbemuchmoredifficult;perhapsimpossible.Thebetterapproachwouldbeforthecourttoappointtwoseparateguardianadlitemsforthesetwochildren. B. FormerGuardianadlitemRelationship:SubsequentRepresentation.Anattorneyservedasguardianadlitemforanindividualwhowassubsequentlydeclaredincompetent.Subsequently,theincompetent’ssonwasaccusedofmurderinghissisterandrequestedtheformerguardianadlitemtorepresenthim.Itisnotimproperfortheattorneyto

accepttherepresentation.[DR5-101;DR5-105].LEO#857(10/31/86).DR5-105(D)statesthatalawyerwhohasrepresentedaclientinamattershallnotthereafterrepresentanotherpersoninthesameorsubstantiallyrelatedmatteriftheinterestofthatpersonisadverseinanymaterialrespecttotheinterestoftheformerclientunlesstheformerclientconsentsafterdisclosure.TheCommitteedeclinestogiveanopinionastotheexistenceofanattorney-clientrelationshipbetweenthechildandtheattorneyservingasguardianadlitem.However,whetherornotanattorney-clientrelationshiparises,andassumingthattheattorney/guardianadlitemdeterminesthatthereisanidentityofinterestbetweenthechildandDSS,theCommitteeconcludesthattheattorneywouldnotbeprohibitedfromrepresentingDSSintheappeal.Thisissowhetherornotanewguardianadlitemisappointedforthechild.Further,assumingnoapparentconflictbetweenthechildandDSS,theattorneywouldnotberequiredtoreceiveconsentofanewguardianadlitembeforeundertakingrepresentationofDSSintheappeal.LEO#1626(2/17/95).VIII. Rule4.2&4.3CommunicationwithRepresentedandUnrepresentedPersonsorParties(LEO1870)Aguardianadlitemhasadutytoinvestigatethefactsofthecasevigorouslyandthoroughly.Inaddition,aguardianadlitemisrequiredtomonitorthechild’swelfareandtheparties’compliancewiththeordersofthecourt.Fulfillingthesedutiesusuallyrequirestheguardianadlitemtotalkwiththeotherparties.Itmightbearguedthattheeffectivenessofaguardianadlitem’sinvestigationormonitoringeffortsmaybecompromisedbyseekingtheconsentofcounseltointerviewcounsel’sclient.However,counselfortheotherpartiesmaygiveconsentandallowtheguardianadlitemtointerviewthemother,fatherorDSScaseworkerwithoutthepresenceofcounsel.Ifcounselrefusestogiveconsent,theguardianadlitemshouldconsiderfilingamotionwiththecourttocompelaccesstoarepresentedparty,inordertofulfillthedutiesthataguardianadlitemmustfulfill.TheVSBStandingCommitteeonLegalEthicsissuedLEO1870inOctoberof2013toaddressexactlytheseissues.Thisopinionaddressesthefollowingissues: A. CommunicatingwithRepresentedParties Rule4.2statesthat“alawyershallnotcommunicateaboutthesubjectoftherepresentationwithapersonthelawyerknowstoberepresentedbyanotherlawyer…”Therearetwoexceptions:(1)thelawyerhastheconsentoftheotherlawyer,or(2)thelawyerisauthorizedbylaworacourtordertocommunicatewiththeunrepresentedparty.Theruleprotectspartiesagainstoverreachingbyopposingcounsel,safeguardsthelawyer-clientrelationshipfrominterference,andreducesthelikelihoodthatclientswilldiscloseconfidentialinformationthatwillharmtheirinterestsTheruleapplieseventhoughtherepresentedpersoninitiatesorconsentstothecommunication.Soevenifaparentapproachesaguardianadlitemwithquestionsorcommentsaboutthecase,theguardianadlitemmustimmediatelyendcommunicationunlesstheguardianad

litemgetsconsentfromtheparent’slawyer.DifficultyariseswhenapplyingRule4.2becausethepartiesindependencycasesworkcloselytogetheroutsideofcourt.Thecaseworkerandchild’scounsel,inparticular,haveextensivecontactwithparentsandchildren,almostalwaysoutsidethepresenceoftheotherlawyers.Issuesarisenotonlywhenalawyerispreparingforcourt,butduringhomevisits,educationalmeetings,casestaffings,andotherroutineactivities.GALStandardB:Commentsprovidethattheguardianadlitem“shouldcommunicatetheirroleandresponsibilitiesclearlytotheparentsand/orotherparty'sattorneysincludingtheguardianadlitem'slegalstatusintheproceedingandresponsibilitytoparticipatefullytoprotectthechild'sinterestsandexpressthechild'swishes.GALStandardD:Participate,asappropriate,inpre-trialconferences,mediationandnegotiations:Commentprovidesthattheguardianadlitem“shouldtakeanyactionnecessarytoattempttoresolvethecaseintheleastadversarialmannerpossible;however,aguardianadlitemshouldclarify,whennecessary,thatheorsheisnotactingasamediator.” ThesestandardsarenotinconsistentwiththeconclusionsofthisLEO.IntheopinionitisstatedthatthelawyerservingasguardianadlitemforthechildisboundbyRule4.2andmaynothaveexpartecommunicationswithanotherrepresentedpartyinthatproceeding,unlesscounselforthatpartyconsents,orunlesstheguardianadlitemisauthorizedbylaworcourtordertohavesuchcommunication. B. CommunicatingwithUnRepresentedParties Rule4.3:“(a)Indealingonbehalfofaclientwithapersonwhoisnotrepresentedbycounsel,alawyershallnotstateorimplythatthelawyerisdisinterested.Whenthelawyerknowsorreasonablyshouldknowthattheunrepresentedpersonmisunderstandsthelawyer’sroleinthematter,thelawyershallmakereasonableeffortstocorrectthemisunderstanding.(b)Alawyershallnotgiveadvicetoapersonwhoisnotrepresentedbyalawyer,otherthantheadvicetosecurecounsel….” Aguardianadlitemmustclarifyherroleandresponsibilitieswiththeparentandinformthemthatherdutyistothechild,nottothemotherorthefather.Theguardianadlitemmustinformthemthatshecannotgivethemlegaladviceotherthanrecommendingthattheyobtainanattorney.Inaddition,theguardianadlitemmustemphasizethatshemakesrecommendationstothecourt,doesnotissuerulingsorordersandconsequentlyhasnoauthoritytoordereitherparenttomakechangesinthevisitation.Finally,theguardianadlitemmustinformtheparentsthatsheiseithernotamediatorand/orcannotactasamediatorinthismatter. C. CommunicatingwithParentsbyOpposingCounselAgencylawyers,likeDSSinparticular,shouldbeawareofthispotentialissuewhenadvisingcaseworkerswhoareinterviewingparentsoutsidethepresenceofcounsel.Theycanguideinvestigation,buthavetobesensitivetothedividinglinebetweenguidinginvestigationsandviolatingRule4.2. Parents’lawyerswhoareconcernedaboutprotectingtheclients,especiallyinthepre-adjudicationphasewhereallegationshavenotbeensustained,shouldmakecleartocaseworkers,guardianad

litems,children’sandagencylawyersthattheyarenotconsentingtoanycontactwiththeirclientwithouttheirpresence.Ontheotherhand,thesuccessofthereunificationeffortsdependsonastrongworkingrelationshipbetweenthecaseworkerandparent,soparents’lawyershavetobeverysensitivewhenadvisingclients.Theyshouldencourageasmuchcooperationaspossible,whileprotectingtheclient’srights.Infact,post-disposition,parents’lawyersneedtoadvisetheirclientsthatlackofcooperationwithsocialservicesmayhaveadverseconsequences,includingterminationofparentalrights. D. CommunicatingwithCaseworkers Mayaparent’slawyer,child’slawyer,orguardianadlitemcommunicatewiththecaseworkeroutsidethepresenceoftheagencylawyer? Inmostjurisdictions,thecaseworkerisnotthe“client”oftheagencylawyer,becausetheagencylawyerrepresentsthechildwelfareagency,nottheindividualcaseworker. E. AgencyWorkersCommunicatingwithChildorRepresentedPerson LEO1870alsoaddressesthisissueandconcludesthatRule4.2appliestoalllawyer-directedcommunicationswitharepresentedpersonbynon-lawyers.However,agovernmentlawyerdoesnotviolateRule4.2merelybyrequestingasocialworkerorinvestigatortocommunicatewitharepresentedpersons,includingachildforwhomaguardianadlitemhasbeenappointed,ifthelawentitlesorchargestheinvestigatororsocialworkertohavesuchcommunication.Whilethegovernmentlawyermayrequestthatthesocialworkerorinvestigatorcontactandinterviewarepresentedperson,andadvisegenerallywhatinformationthelawyerseeks,thelawyermaynot“master-mind”or“script”theinterviewordictatethecontentofthecommunication.SuchconductwouldbeviewedascircumventingRule4.2throughtheactionsofanother.Rule8.4(a). F. AftertheConclusionoftheLitigation. Aquestionmayariseastowhetherthisprohibitionapplieswhenlitigationhasconcluded.IntheJuvenileandDomesticRelationsDistrictCourt,itissometimesunclearwhethercounselforamotherorfatherwillcontinuetoserveinthatcapacity.Forexample,afteradjudicationandanorderofdisposition,counselmayconcludehisorherrepresentationofaparent,andnotappearfortheparentatasubsequentreviewhearing.Itispresumedthatanattorneycontinuestorepresenttheclientfollowingtheconclusionoflitigation.Thus,beforecommunicatingwiththeopposingparty,anattorneymustcontactopposingcounselandinquireastowhethertheopposingpartyremainsrepresentedbycounsel.LEO#1709. Itwasimproperforanattorneytocommunicatewithanopposingpartyaboutavisitationproblemaftertheconclusionoflitigationinvolvingcustody,supportandvisitation,eventhoughafinalorderhadbeenenteredandtherewasnocommunicationfromtheopposingparty’scounselthattheycontinuedtorepresenttheirclient.LEO#1389. G. WhataboutParent’sCounselCommunicatingwithChild? Whenparentsareengagedinacustodydispute,isitpermissibleforcounselforeitherparenttomeetwiththeminorchildwithoutfirstobtainingpermissionfromtheguardianadlitem?

LEO1870addressesthisissueclearlyandopinesthatwhenalawyerhasbeenappointedtoserveasaguardianadlitemforachildinacivilproceeding,Rule4.2appliesandprohibitscounselforanotherpartyinthatproceedingfromcommunicatingexpartewiththechildaboutthesubjectmatterofthatproceeding,unlesstheguardianadlitemconsentstosuchcommunicationorunlessacourtorderauthorizedthatlawyertocommunicateexpartewiththerepresentedchild.IX. THEGUARDIANadlitemASAWITNESSRule3.7 LawyerAsWitness(a)Alawyershallnotactasanadvocateinanadversarialproceedinginwhichthelawyerislikelytobeanecessarywitnessexceptwhere...(3)disqualificationofthelawyerwouldworksubstantialhardshipontheclient. (b)If,afterundertakingemploymentincontemplatedorpendinglitigation,alawyerlearnsoritisobviousthatthelawyermaybecalledasawitnessotherthanonbehalfoftheclient,thelawyermaycontinuetherepresentationuntilitisapparentthatthetestimonyisormaybeprejudicialtotheclient. Ifthegoaloftheguardianadlitemistofollowthetraditionaldisciplinaryruleswherepossible,thentheguardianadlitemwouldofferfactstothecourtthroughthetraditionalmeansofproducingwitnessesandotherevidencetoprovethosefacts.Theguardianadlitemwouldminimizehisorherpersonalstatementstothecourttoincludeonlythoseeventsthattheguardianadlitempersonallywitnessed,aswellasrecommendationsbaseduponevidencewhichhasbeenadmitted. Astotheissueofcallingtheguardianadlitemasawitness;LEO1729opinesthatthereisaconflictbetweentheattorney’sethicalobligationsunderthe“witness-advocate”ruleandtheattorney’sdutyasaguardianadlitemtoreportfactstothecourtthatwerelearnedduringtheguardianadlitem’sappointmentandinvestigation,andtomakerecommendationstothecourtbaseduponsuchfacts.Iftheguardianadlitemcannotreporttothecourtwhattheguardianadlitemhasobservedorlearnedduringthevisitation,forfearofviolatingthe“witness-advocate”rule,thentheguardianadlitemcannotdischargethelegalobligationsofhisappointment.Theguardianadlitemischargedwiththedutyof“fullyprotectingthechild’sinterestandwelfare.”Va.S.Ct.R.8:6. Theguardianadlitemisrequiredtoinvestigatethecaseand“advisethecourt”regarding“theresults”oftheinvestigation.Thisrequirestheguardianadlitemtoprovidethecourtwithmaterialfactsthatmaybedisputedbysomepartyintheinstantproceeding.Theguardianadlitemisrequiredtoprovidethecourtwithhis“opinion”asto“whatisinthechild’sinterestandwelfare.”Rule8:6supra. Enforcingthe“witness-advocate”ruleinthecontextofaguardianadlitemcomplyingwithhislegalmandatetoreporttothecourttheresultsofhisinvestigationdoesnotservethepurposeforwhichtherulewasintended.Oneofthepurposesofthe“witness-advocate”ruleistoprotecttheclient’sinterestsinnothavingtestimonyproducedonacontestedissuefromawitness(lawyer)whoisobviouslyinterestedinthecase’soutcomeandisthussubjecttoimpeachmentforthatreason.LEO1729.X.WhendotheResponsibilitiesoftheGuardianadlitemEnd?

1. TheGuardianadlitem“shallrepresentthechild...atanysuchhearingandatallotherstagesoftheproceedingunlessrelievedorreplacedinthemannerprovidedbylaw.”VirginiaCode§16.1-268.2. Someviewtheguardianadlitemas“aspecialguardianappointedbythecourtinwhichaparticularlitigationispendingtorepresentaninfant,wardorunbornpersoninthatparticularlitigationandthestatusofguardianadlitemexistsonlyinthatspecificlitigationinwhichtheappointmentoccurs.”ThisrestrictivedefinitionwasannouncedinBowenv.Sonnenburg,411N.E.2d390,396(Ind.App.1980),citedasanoteinBlack’sLawDictionary706(6thed.1990).ChiefJusticeCarricoandJusticeStephenson,dissentinginStanleyv.FairfaxCountyDepartmentofSocialServices,242Va.60,405S.E.2d621(1991),statedthisview.3. However,themajorityinStanleyrejectedthisrestrictiveviewoftheguardianadlitem’sduties,holdingthataguardianadlitemhasstandingtofileapetitionseekingterminationofresidualparentalrights,overtheobjectionoftheparentsandtheDepartmentofSocialServices.4. Wheretheguardianadlitem’sauthoritytoactisunclear,considerfilingamotionwiththeappointingcourtseekinganorderspecificallyauthorizingtheproposedactiononbehalfofthechild.Theproposedactionshouldreflecttheguardianadlitem’sdutyunderRule8:6tofullyprotectthechild’sinterestsandwelfare.Additionally,reviewthereasoningoftheSupremeCourtofVirginiainStanley,whichlookedatwhythechildwasbeforethecourt(allegationsofabuseandneglect),andexaminedtheguardianadlitem’sproposedactiontodeterminewhetheritwouldfurtherthechild’sinterestsinthatregard.Isyourproposedactiononewhichpromotesthechild’sinterestsinrelationtothereasonwhythechildiswithinthecourt’sjurisdiction?A. Andnowthere’sthequestionofmyfile Firstandforemostthedutyrelatedtoreturningtheclient’spropertyandcopiesofalldocumentsbelongstotheclient.SinceDadisnottheclientDadhasnorighttoacopyofthefileoranyotherdocumentsorevidencethattheguardianadlitemhasgatheredinthecourseoftheirrepresentationofthechild. Asearlierstated,theguardianadlitemhasatraditionalattorney/clientrelationshipwiththechildexcepttotheextentthespecialdutiesoftheguardianadlitemconflictwiththeRulesofProfessionalConduct.Thatisthecasewiththedutytoprovideaclient’sfile.Inthiscase,theguardianadlitemisactingasafact-finder,investigator,andthenultimatelyanadvocateforthebestinterestsofthechild.Itisnotupthechild,nornecessarilyeverintheirbestinterestsforallofthefilematerialsanddiscoverytheguardianadlitemhasdonetogetintoanyofthepartieshands.TheguardianadlitemcanonlyturnoveracopyofthefilewiththepermissionoftheCourt. IftheguardianadlitemreceivesasubpoenaforacopyofthefileormaterialstheguardianadlitemshouldfileaformalMotiontoQuashthesubpoenaandletthecourtdecideifanyonegetsaccesstotheguardianadlitem’sfile.B.TheChallenge Todetermineone’sdutieswhenthereisanapparentconflictbetweenthedutiesofanattorneyinanattorney-clientrelationship,andthedutiesofanattorneyservingasaguardianadlitem.

SuggestedApproach.1. Fulfillallofthedutieswhichapplytoaguardianadlitem.2. WherefulfillingaspecificdutyofaguardianadlitemconflictswiththetraditionaldutygoverninganattorneyasexpressedintheRPCs,fulfillingthedutyoftheguardianadlitemshouldprevail.3. WherefulfillingaspecificdutyofaguardianadlitemdoesnotconflictwiththedutiesgoverninganattorneyasexpressedintheRPCs,theguardianadlitemshouldfollowthetraditionalcourseofactionintheCodeofProfessionalResponsibility.