SLR 13-8.081: Appointment of Legal Counsel for Minor Children

(1) The court may appoint legal counsel for one or more of the children upon motion of a party, request of a child or on its own motion. A motion for appointment must be filed with the court and served in accordance with ORCP 9. (2) When legal counsel is appointed to represent a child in a domestic relations matter pursuant to ORS 107.425(6), the order shall be submitted to the court in substantially the same form as set out in Form SLR 8.081. See Appendix G. (3) The court will define whether the representation is “traditional advocacy” or “best interests” representation. If the attorney, in the course of representation, determines that the role of representation should be changed, the court may endorse the change. (4) The parties are encouraged to stipulate to an identified attorney, type of representation and method of compensation upon approval by the court. If the parties cannot agree, the court will identify an attorney and confirm the attorney’s availability to represent the child. (5) In the event an attorney is appointed to represent a child, the child will be treated like and considered a party. (6) The parents are to make the child available to the attorney as requested, including transportation and reasonable and private phone communication. In the event that such cooperation proves difficult, the court shall have sole discretion and authority to determine the location, duration and circumstances of the attorney’s contact with the child. Parents are not to monitor the child’s communication with the attorney or discuss the nature or substance of the communication with the child. (7) The child’s attorney is expected to be familiar with Oregon domestic relations law and the contents of ABA Standards for Representation of Children. To the extent possible, the appointed attorney will represent the child’s interests in obtaining a safe and secure home and a balanced relationship with each parent. (8) The attorney representing the child may submit an ORCP 68 statement for fees and costs. The court retains the authority to require either or both parents to contribute toward the fees and costs incurred, even if the attorney agreed to represent the child on a pro bono or reduced fee basis.} 13th Judicial District 13 Supplementary Local Rules Circuit Court for Klamath County February 1, 2026