Every Child Deserves An Advocate
In every child custody case, the child’s best interest should be the highest priority. Rachael Griffith serves as an amicus lawyer in Tyler, TX because she cares about children and wants to help ensure they are set up to thrive.
What is an Amicus Attorney?
An amicus attorney is a court-appointed lawyer in Texas family law cases who represents the **best interests of a child** during disputes such as custody, visitation, or parental rights. Unlike an attorney for either parent or a lawyer advocating for the child’s preferences, an amicus attorney acts as a neutral third party, providing the court with an objective assessment to guide decisions.
The amicus attorney’s role includes:
- Investigating the child’s circumstances by interviewing the child (if appropriate), parents, and others involved.
- Reviewing records such as school, medical, and financial documents.
- Recommending custody, visitation, or other arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.
- Participating in court proceedings to share findings and advocate for the child’s welfare.
Amicus attorneys are typically appointed in high-conflict cases or when allegations of abuse, neglect, or unfit parenting arise. Their recommendations help the court ensure decisions prioritize the child’s physical and emotional well-being.
Request a ConsultationWhat is an amicus attorney?
An amicus attorney is a court appointed lawyer who helps investigate the case and recommend an outcome in the best interest of the child.
The amicus attorney does not directly provide legal services to either party, nor the children involved. Rather, the lawyer acts as an unbiased third-party, working toward what’s best for the child.
While the child’s desires are heard and considered, the amicus attorney is under no obligation to advocate for the child’s wishes if those wishes are in conflict with what the attorney believes is best for the child.
You can find the official Texas Family Code definition of an amicus attorney here.
What’s the difference between an Amicus Attorney and an Attorney Ad Litem?
The simple difference is that an Attorney Ad Litem can represent the child or one of the parties involved, whereas the amicus attorney serves the court only. Additionally, no attorney-client privileges exist between the attorney and child or either party in the case.
What does an Amicus Attorney in Texas do?
The amicus attorney will
- Interview all children involved in the case over the age of 4 years old.
- Seek to understand the child’s wishes and take them into consideration, albeit without any obligation to advocate for those wishes.
- Interview all parties involved in the case to determine the best outcome for the child
- Investigate all facts of the case to determine which circumstance will set up the child to thrive
- Review all pertinent records and documents related to the case that may influence the outcome
- Perform litigation as necessary, including engaging in discovery, filing documents, such as pleadings, etc.
- And take other actions to expedite the process, keep the child safe, and encourage a peaceful outcome
Does the Amicus Attorney determine the outcome of the case?
When the amicus attorney has finished a thorough investigation, he or she will create a detailed report recommending a particular arrangement in the best interest of the child. While the judge does not have to heed these recommendations, they often play a significant role in the outcome of the case.
Contact Rachael Griffith
If you have questions about our services, please contact Rachael Griffith today. We look forward to speaking with you.
Request a Consultation
