Will the Court appoint me an attorney in California family court if I cannot afford one?
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By
Paul A. Eads
No, there is no requirement that the court appoint counsel for indigent
spouses/parties in dissolution proceedings to be laid at the county expense.
However, indigent spouses/parties may qualify for fee waivers that would
not require that they pay court fees or costs (such as filing fees or
court reporter fees). The only exception to the appointment of an attorney
for the party is for contempt proceedings. If there is a co tempt of court
action filed by either of the parties, the court can appoint a public
defender or comparable attorney for the limited purpose of defending against
the action for which the other parent seeks prosecution and the parent
is at risk of incarceration.
