The right to a lawyer

Parents and others with rights as a party to a case have the right to a lawyer paid for by the public purse in all cases heard by the Child Welfare Tribunal. The parties choose which lawyer they want. The Child Welfare Tribunal can help the parties to find a lawyer if they so wish. The lawyer will normally invite his/her clients to a meeting in the lawyer's office to go through the case with them. The lawyer provides guidance on procedure and process. The lawyer will advise his/her clients in the case and attend tribunal meetings with them.