Being told that the court has appointed you a lawyer can bring on a wave of emotions. You might feel uncertain, powerless, or even overlooked, like the system is speaking over you instead of to you. Here’s the reality of it : you still have rights. Important ones. A court-appointed attorney doesn’t erase your voice, it’s meant to help you use it.
The court appoints lawyers in certain family law cases because it recognizes that the process is too complicated, too serious, and too personal for someone to navigate alone. When one of our attorneys is appointed to represent you, we step into that role with deep respect for what you’re going through and a full commitment to standing beside you.
Let’s take a moment to walk through the rights you have, even when your attorney is one the court chose, and how those rights play out in your case.
⚖️ You Still Have the Right to Be Heard
Just because a lawyer was appointed to your case doesn’t mean they do all the talking and decision-making. You are still at the center of your case. Your experiences, your wishes, and your side of the story matter deeply, both to the court and to your attorney.
You have every right to express your concerns, share your goals, and participate in the strategy your attorney presents. Whether it’s preparing for a custody hearing, gathering documents for a DHR case, or explaining something that happened behind closed doors, your attorney is there to help you be heard in a courtroom that may not know your story yet.
If your court appointed attorney comes from our family at the Harris Firm, we are not here to speak instead of you. We’re here to help you speak more clearly, more effectively, and with legal strength behind your words.
📞 You Have the Right to Communication
You deserve to know what’s happening in your case. That includes everything from upcoming court dates to paperwork deadlines to understanding what the judge’s decision might mean for you and your family.
A court-appointed attorney is required to keep you informed, and you have the right to ask questions and get answers you understand. If something doesn’t make sense—whether it’s legal jargon or a decision being made, you’re allowed to say, “Can you explain that again?” We don’t expect you to be fluent in legal language. That’s our job. Yours is to stay involved, and we’ll make sure you can do that confidently.
Good communication is the foundation of a strong attorney-client relationship, and you’re absolutely entitled to that; even if you didn’t choose your lawyer yourself.
🛠️ You Have the Right to Competent Representation
The court doesn’t just hand out court appointments to random people. Attorneys who take these cases are trained, licensed, and approved to handle serious family law matters. Once assigned, that attorney is bound by legal and ethical duties to give your case the attention and effort it deserves.
That means your attorney should be investigating your case, reviewing evidence, filing the right paperwork, attending court on your behalf, and giving you professional legal advice. You aren’t getting a “lesser” version of a lawyer. You’re getting someone who’s expected to do the job thoroughly and well.
At the Harris Firm, we don’t cut corners whether we’re appointed or retained. We prepare every case with care and treat every client like they matter, because they do. Especially you.
🤝 You Have the Right to Be Treated With Respect
Let’s say this loud and clear: being appointed a lawyer doesn’t mean you should be treated like an afterthought. You are still entitled to dignity, patience, and respect from the person representing you.
We know family law cases can make you feel exposed, overwhelmed, and vulnerable. That’s why our approach is rooted in compassion. We’ll listen without judgment, explain without rushing, and stand by you, whether this is your first court experience or your fifth.
No matter how you came to our office, through appointment, referral, or by choice, we believe in treating you like a whole person, not just a case file. You matter. Your family matters. We’re going to make sure you feel that every step of the way.
📝 You May Have the Right to Request a Different Attorney
Now let’s talk about something that doesn’t come up often, but deserves a moment of clarity: Can you request a different court-appointed attorney if something isn’t working?
The answer is yes, but only in limited circumstances. You can’t ask for a new attorney just because you don’t “click” or because you would have chosen someone else. However, if your attorney isn’t returning calls, is missing court dates, or there’s a serious breakdown in trust or representation, you may file a motion with the court to request a different appointment.
The judge will review your concerns and decide whether a change is warranted. While it’s not guaranteed, the court does take these requests seriously, especially when there’s clear evidence that the attorney is no longer serving the case or the client under their care.
We hope you never feel the need to go down that path, but if you do, just know it’s an option designed to protect your right to fair representation.
🌿 More Than a Case—You’re a Person Worth Defending
We want to leave you with this thought: your rights don’t disappear just because the court appointed your lawyer. If anything, the court appointed someone to make sure your rights are protected because they matter. You’re not just a case on a docket or a file on someone’s desk. You are a parent, a provider, a protector. Behind every legal issue is a life, and a future, that deserves to be treated with care.
When we’re appointed to your case, we don’t see it as just another name. We see you. We show up with the skill, the fight, and the heart to prove it.
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