Representación legal en procesos de terminación de derechos parentales

Explicación Simple

Si un padre intenta quitarle la custodia a otro, el tribunal asegura que el niño tenga un abogado. También, si un padre no puede pagar un abogado, el tribunal le asigna uno gratis.

Es como cuando en un partido de fútbol, si un jugador se lesiona, se llama a un médico para asegurarse de que esté bien y pueda jugar de nuevo.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Laura y Carlos están en un proceso para que Laura pueda adoptar a su hijo, pero el padre biológico, Pedro, no está de acuerdo. El tribunal nombra un abogado para defender los intereses de Pedro y asegurarse de que sus derechos sean respetados, ya que él no puede pagar uno.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

23 Pa.C.S. 2313 - Representation (a) Child.--The court shall appoint counsel to represent the child in an involuntary termination proceeding when the proceeding is being contested by one or both of the parents. The court may appoint counsel or a guardian ad litem to represent any child who has not reached the age of 18 years and is subject to any other proceeding under this part whenever it is in the best interests of the child. No attorney or law firm shall represent both the child and the adopting parent or parents. (a.1) Parent.--The court shall appoint counsel for a parent whose rights are subject to termination in an involuntary termination proceeding if, upon petition of the parent, the court determines that the parent is unable to pay for counsel or if payment would result in substantial financial hardship. (b) Payment of costs.--The court, in its discretion, may order all or part of the costs attendant to a proceeding under this part to be paid by the county wherein the case is heard, the adopting parents or apportioned to both, provided that if the adopting parents shall be ordered to bear all or a portion of the costs of this part that: (1) the court may direct that the payment of the fees or a portion thereof may be paid by a court ordered schedule of payments extending beyond the date of the involuntary termination hearing; and (2) the fee shall not exceed $150. (June 23, 1982, P.L.617, No.174, eff. 60 days; May 21, 1992, P.L.228, No.34, eff. 60 days)