Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint an attorney to represent a child in custody disputes arising out of a temporary adoption placement, which occurs when a parent places the child directly with an adoptive family or when a licensed child-placing agency selects the adoptive family. Mich. Comp. Laws §710.23e(3), 710.23d(1). The temporary placement lasts for thirty days, at which point the child must be returned to the parent or a formal adoption proceeding must have been commenced. If a dispute arises at the end of the temporary placement, such as if the prospective parent is unwilling to proceed with the adoption, the court will hold a hearing to determine the custody of the child. Mich. Comp. Laws § 710.23e. At this point, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the child.
