Rule 206 – Appointment of Counsel for the Parent

May 15, 2021 | Delaware, Family Law

(a) A parent, determined by the Court to be indigent, may have counsel appointed by the Court during the parent’s initial appearance on a petition, or at such other time as deemed appropriate by the Court.

(b) In considering the appointment of counsel, the Court shall consider: the degree to which the loss of parental rights are at stake; the risk of an erroneous deprivation of those rights through the dependency proceedings; and the interest of DSCYF as to the ultimate resolution.

(c) In the event a parent is entitled to appointment of counsel and declines court appointed counsel, such waiver shall be noted on the record or in the Court’s Order.

Del. Fam. Ct. R. Civ. P. 206

Re-numbered and amended January 28, 2015, eff. April 20, 2015.