ADVOCOURT For Kids

The Texas Family Code provides that an attorney may volunteer by an appointment by the court in a suit, other than a suit filed by a governmental entity, whose role is to provide legal services necessary to assist the court in protecting a child’s best interests rather than to provide legal services to the child. The Code also provides that a guardian ad litem may be appointed by the family court. This person may be a professional, other than an attorney, who holds a relevant professional license and whose training relates to the determination of a child’s best interests, or a volunteer who is an adult having the competence, training and expertise determined by the court to be sufficient to represent the best interests of the child.

To qualify as a volunteer for AdvoCourt for Kids, a person must attend training offered by AdvoCourt for Kids, or submit proof of qualifications as provided above.


	Who may volunteer? The Texas Family Code provides that an attorney may volunteer by an appointment by the court in a suit, other than a suit filed by a governmental entity, whose role is to provide legal services necessary to assist the court in protecting a child’s best interests rather than to provide legal services to the child. The Code also provides that a guardian ad litem may be appointed by the family court. This person may be a professional, other than an attorney, who holds a relevant professional license and whose training relates to the determination of a child’s best interests, or a volunteer who is an adult having the competence, training and expertise determined by the court to be sufficient to represent the best interests of the child. How do I volunteer? To qualify as a volunteer for AdvoCourt for Kids, a person must attend training offered by AdvoCourt for Kids, or submit proof of qualifications as provided above.