ATTORNEY AD LITEM

(a) Request. At any stage of the proceedings, any party may request or the court may consider whether an attorney ad litem is necessary to represent any child alleged, or found, to be dependent, if one has not already been appointed. (b) Appointment. The court may appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the child in any proceeding as allowed by law. (c) Duties and Responsibilities. The attorney ad litem must be an attorney who has completed any additional requirements as provided by law. The attorney ad litem is in an attorney-client relationship with the child, maintains confidentiality, and has other responsibilities as provided by law. (d) Service. Any attorney appointed under this rule is entitled to receive and must provide service of pleadings and documents as provided by rule 8.225. Committee Note January 1, 2026 Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure Page 112 of 469 2022 Amendment. Subdivision (b) was amended in response to ch. 2021-169, Laws of Florida.