Right to attorney GAL
Tennessee, Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-149 requires the court to appoint a GAL for the child in juvenile court proceedings. 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
