Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Legislation, Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
Per Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.5406(1), "If, at any time in the proceeding [for appointment of a conservator or another protective order because of minority], the court determines that the minor's interests are or may be inadequately represented, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the minor[.]" The attorney serves in a guardian ad litem role.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
yes
