Section 7 — Care of Children Act 2004: Lawyer to act for child

7 Lawyer to act for child (1) A Court may appoint a lawyer to act for a child who is the subject of, or who is a party to, proceedings (other than criminal proceedings) under this Act. (2) However, unless it is satisfied the appointment would serve no useful purpose, the Court must make an appointment under subsection (1) if the proceedings— (a) involve the role of providing day-to-day care for the child, or contact with the child; and (b) appear likely to proceed to a hearing. (3) To facilitate performance of the lawyer's duties and compliance with section 6 (child's views), the lawyer must, unless he or she considers it inappropriate to do so because of exceptional circumstances, meet with the child. (4) The lawyer may call any person as a witness in the proceedings, and may cross-examine witnesses called by a party to the proceedings or by the Court. Compare: 1968 No 63 s 30(1)(b), (2), (3)