Child custody: appointment of counsel.

Existing law authorizes the court, if the court determines that it would be in the best interest of the minor child, to appoint private counsel to represent the interests of the child in a custody or visitation proceeding, provided that the court and counsel comply with specified California Rules of Court, including continuing education and training requirements in certain subjects, such as representation of a child in custody and visitation proceedings. Upon entering an appearance on behalf of a child, existing law requires counsel to continue to represent that child unless relieved by the court upon substitution of other counsel by the court or for cause. This bill would authorize the court to appoint private counsel who does not meet those continuing education and training requirements to represent the interests of the child in a child custody or visitation proceeding if the court determines that an attorney who meets the continuing education and training requirements is not available and the appointment is in the best interests of the child.