Discretionary appointment of attorney GAL – Surrendered newborn

Michigan , Legislation , Custody Disputes - Children

Pursuant to Mich. Comp. Laws 712.2(1), a court with jurisdiction over a surrendered newborn “may appoint a lawyer-guardian ad litem to represent the newborn in proceedings under this chapter.” 

Proceedings under the chapter may include custody petitions brought by the surrendering or nonsurrendering parent.

Appointment of Counsel: Discretionary
Qualified: No
? 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.