Discretionary appointment of counsel

D.C. Code § 16-1005(a-1)(4) specifies that in intrafamily proceedings involving a protective order, "If a respondent is a minor ... and if the minor is not accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, other appropriate adult, or represented by an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the minor if such an appointment would not unduly delay the issuance or denial of a protection order."

Additionally, D.C. Code § 16-1003 and § 16-1062 were amended in 2021 to specify that where a child is seeking certain kinds of civil protection orders or an anti-stalking order, the Domestic Violence Division can appoint an attorney to represent an unrepresented minor who is a party to the proceeding where the appointment would not unreasonably delay the issuance or denial of such an order.