Right to attorney GAL
Tennessee, Legislation, Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-126 states children are entitled to GALs for dependency proceedings. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-149 also requires the court to appoint a GAL for the child. Tn. R. S. Ct. Rule 40(b)(1) defines “guardian ad litem” as “a lawyer appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of a child and to ensure that the child’s concerns and preferences are effectively advocated.”
Tenn. Code § 37-2-704(b) specifies that in any case involving an Indian child, “The court
may, in its discretion, appoint counsel for the child upon a finding that such appointment is in
the best interest of the child.”
Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: Yes
