Serving Inland Empire, Pasadena and Los Angeles areas
Minor's Counsel
Serving Pomona, Pasadena and Los Angeles
Minor’s Counsel is a court-appointed attorney who advocates for a child’s best interests in family law cases, particularly in matters of custody and visitation.
Protecting Children's Best Interests Through Legal Advocacy
Over a third of Julianne's clients are minor children and it is her favorite part of the job.
Julianne is available for Court appointment in Los Angeles and San Bernardino County.
Additionally, she is available to act as mediator using her skills as Minor’s Counsel to fashion creative and workable agreements between parents who prefer keeping their parenting decisions outside of Court.
How Minor’s Counsel Support Children in Court
In California, Minor's Counsel is an attorney appointed by the court to represent a child or children. Minor's Counsel only represents the child and does not represent the parents in any capacity.
Minor’s Counsel can be chosen by the parties and then ordered by the Court. The Court also has the power to appoint Minor’s Counsel without either party requesting such appointment. It is common for Judges to utilize Minor's Counsel is cases where there are allegations of child abuse, neglect, alienation, or substance abuse.
The role of Minor's Counsel is to determine what is in the best interest of the child and determine what the minor's preference is if the child is of “sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody.” (Family Code 3042).
Experienced in Stanley Mosk, Pasadena, and San Bernardino Courthouses.
Minor's Counsel reviews all relevant documents.
Minor's Counsel presents an oral report on findings.
Confirmation of settlment decision.
If settlement is unsuccessful, present oral report to court.
Ensures a Fair and Balanced Outcome
Julianne looks into the pertinent issues relating to the specific child. As Minor’s Counsel, she works diligently to investigate any allegations and all facts available. We review all relevant documents, CPS reports, police reports, police records, and interview parents, the child and collateral witnesses as necessary.
Minor's Counsel Process
Minor's Counsel also has access to the child's records, including medical and school records and has the right to interview any relevant person in the child's life, including teachers, doctors, and therapists.
Minor’s Counsel’s duties and obligations are solely to the child.
Minor's Counsel Report
Upon completion of the investigation, Julianne makes an oral report to the parties and their counsel and attempts settlement. If settlement is unsuccessful, Julianne makes her report to the Court.
The report will include all recommendations that Minor's Counsel believes to be in client’s best interest, including a specific visitation schedule.