Dependency-neglect appointed counsel: request and court screening

Dependency-neglect appointed counsel: request and court screening Qualifications and requirements: Appointed counsel in a dependency-neglect case involves the court's indigency finding and a request by a person within the statutory covered categories. Parents have a right to appointed counsel at termination-of-parental-rights hearings when indigency is found and counsel is requested. Documents to prepare (confirm what is required): Dependency-neglect petition or emergency order; Hearing notice and case number; Financial information the court requests; Parentage or custody records relevant to legal status Exceptions and checks: Putative parents have distinct conditions; being named as a possible parent does not establish the same appointment rights as a legal parent. The published code separately requires qualified parent counsel for a minor parent named as a defendant. Questions to ask: What legal status does the petition assign me?; Have I requested counsel on the record?; What financial affidavit does this court require? Next steps: Tell the court promptly that you want counsel.; Ask how to complete indigency screening.; Confirm the assigned lawyer and keep attending hearings. Limits: The court decides appointment. This is not a general promise of a free lawyer for every DCFS investigation or family dispute.