Can I Get a Public Defender for Family Court?

Family court cases involving custody, visitation, child support, and other issues related to children can become complicated and stressful. Many people facing family court hearings wonder if they can get a court-appointed lawyer, known as a public defender, to represent them if they cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Here is an in-depth look at the use of public defenders in family court.

What is a Public Defender?

A public defender is a lawyer who is appointed by the court to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. Public defenders work for county or state public defender offices or agencies. They handle criminal cases such as misdemeanors and felonies. Public defenders provide legal representation to their clients at no cost.

Do Public Defenders Handle Family Court Cases?

In most states, public defenders do not represent people in family court. The right to an attorney in criminal cases was established by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Gideon v. Wainwright. However, there is no such guaranteed right to counsel in civil cases such as divorce, child custody, and child support hearings. Some exceptions exist in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, and termination of parental rights. But in general, public defenders are only appointed in criminal cases, not family court proceedings.

Who is Eligible for a Public Defender?

People who meet certain financial eligibility guidelines and are facing criminal charges are entitled to be represented by a public defender. Eligibility is based on factors such as income, expenses, assets, and the number of dependents in the household. Applicants may need to provide documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns to show that they cannot afford a private lawyer. The court uses this information to determine if someone qualifies for a public defender.

Can I Request a Public Defender for My Family Court Case?

You can ask the family court judge to appoint a public defender if you believe you cannot afford an attorney. However, because family court cases are considered civil proceedings, you do not have an automatic right to be assigned counsel at public expense. The judge will look at your ability to pay for a lawyer and whether the issues in your case are complex enough to require an attorney’s expertise. They will make a decision on a case-by-case basis.

What About Low-Cost or Pro Bono Lawyers?

If you do not qualify for a public defender but still cannot afford a lawyer, you may look into legal aid organizations, law school clinics, and pro bono attorneys.

• Legal aid groups provide free or low-cost legal services to people with limited incomes. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, child support and more. Eligibility is based on income, with services targeted at the very poor.
• Law school clinics allow students to gain experience while providing legal services at no cost under faculty supervision. Family law clinics offer help with divorce, custody, guardianship, and other family court issues.
• Pro bono lawyers volunteer their time to take cases for free. County bar associations and legal non-profits often coordinate pro bono services. Pro bono help is dependent on lawyer availability but can provide family court assistance.

Are There Public Defenders for Custody Cases?

In most states, public defenders will not represent clients in private custody disputes between parents. The right to appointed counsel is limited to criminal proceedings. However, some states do allow public defender appointments when the custody dispute originates with a criminal charge.

For example, if a parent is charged with child abuse or neglect, they may qualify for a public defender who can then continue assisting them in the related dependency case and custody determinations. Each state has different laws regarding when public defenders become involved in family court proceedings.

Can I Get a Public Defender Appointed for Child Support Court?

No, public defenders are not appointed in child support cases. The right to counsel at public expense generally only applies to criminal matters that could result in incarceration. Since owing child support is a civil issue, most states will not provide an indigent defendant with a public defender for child support proceedings.

There are some exceptions when the failure to pay child support is being criminally prosecuted. For example, if a parent faces jail time for not meeting court-ordered support obligations, the defendant may request a public defender in that criminal contempt proceeding if they qualify based on income eligibility standards.

When Might a Public Defender Get Involved in Family Court?

While public defenders generally do not handle divorce, child custody, visitation, and child support issues, there are some scenarios where their legal services may come into play:

• Criminal charges related to family court matters – such as domestic violence, child abuse, parental kidnapping, or non-payment of child support
• Termination of parental rights cases initiated by child protective services
• Civil contempt proceedings where indigent defendants face incarceration for failing to follow court orders
• Juvenile court matters involving crimes committed by minors

Consult your state laws and local public defender agency to see if your case meets the requirements for public counsel. The availability of taxpayer-funded attorneys in family court situations varies widely between different states and counties.

Can the Same Public Defender Represent Both Parents?

No. One key ethical rule is that the same public defender cannot represent two opposing parties in the same case. So while both parents may separately qualify for appointed counsel, the public defender office would have to assign different attorneys.

Having the same lawyer try to represent both sides would be an inherent conflict of interest, as the attorney cannot provide undivided loyalty or fulfill confidentiality duties to clients with adverse interests. Parents seeking public defenders in custody, divorce, or other disputes against each other must have separate counsel appointed.

Should I Seek an Attorney for My Family Court Case?

Having legal representation can make a major difference in family court outcomes. Even if you do not qualify for a court-appointed attorney, consider consulting a family lawyer if you can afford one. An experienced attorney understands courtroom procedures, evidentiary rules, and family laws in your jurisdiction. This knowledge and expertise can help protect your parental rights and interests in your children. If hiring a lawyer is beyond your financial ability, research low-cost legal aid resources in your area.

Conclusion

In summary, public defenders are generally not available for most family court proceedings, as their services are reserved for criminal cases. While you can request a public defender, the judge will determine eligibility based on income and case complexity. Alternatives like legal aid organizations, law school clinics, and pro bono attorneys may offer more affordable help with divorce, custody, and child support issues. In complex or consequential family court cases, having expert legal counsel can significantly impact the outcome. Do your research to understand options in your state and consider hiring an attorney if possible.

FAQs

Can I get a public defender for a temporary custody hearing?

No, in most states public defenders are only appointed in criminal cases, not for temporary civil custody disputes between parents. You would need to hire a private attorney or seek assistance from legal aid groups or pro bono lawyers.

What if I’m low-income but don’t qualify for a public defender?

Look into legal aid organizations and pro bono attorneys. Law school clinics may also provide free or low-cost assistance. The judge may appoint an attorney in limited cases based on need and complexity.

Do public defenders go to family court?

Generally no, except in certain related criminal matters like domestic violence charges. Family court itself deals with civil cases where there is no automatic right to an appointed attorney.

Can a public defender help me file divorce papers?

No, a public defender’s services are limited to criminal cases. For assistance preparing and filing divorce paperwork, contact legal aid services, research free legal clinics, or hire an affordable private family law attorney.

If I’m incarcerated, can I get a public defender for a child custody hearing?

Possibly, but it depends on the laws in your state. You would need to request the family court judge appoint counsel since custody disputes are usually civil proceedings. Your criminal public defender would not handle a private family court matter.