Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem
Michigan
,
Legislation
, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - 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.”
If the surrendering parent fails to file a petition for custody within a certain timeframe after the surrender, the parent is considered to have “released” their parental rights. Accordingly, proceedings under the chapter may include petitions brought by the child placing agency to determine whether the parent’s “release” of their parental rights should be accepted and whether the court should enter an order terminating the rights of the surrendering parent.
Appointment of Counsel: Discretionary
Qualified: No
