Discretionary appointment of counsel

Rhode Island , Legislation , Custody Disputes - Children

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2(c)(1) specifies that in divorce proceedings, “The court may, if in its discretion it deems it necessary or advisable, appoint an attorney or a guardian ad litem to represent the interest of a minor or dependent child with respect to his or her support, custody, and visitation.”  The statute goes on to provide criteria the judge should use in deciding whether to make such an appointment.

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.