CODE OF VIRGINIA

INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT; DUTIES OF ATTORNEY FOR THE MINOR (§ 16.1-343)

As far in advance as practicable after an attorney is appointed to represent a
minor under this article, the minor’s attorney shall interview the minor;
the minor’s parent, if available; the petitioner; and the qualified
evaluator. He shall interview all other material witnesses, and examine all
relevant diagnostic and other reports.Any state or local agency, department,
authority or institution and any school, hospital, physician or other health or
mental health care provider shall permit the attorney appointed pursuant to this
article to inspect and copy, without the consent of the minor or his parents,
any records relating to the minor whom the attorney represents.The obligation of
the minor’s attorney during the hearing or appeal is to interview
witnesses, obtain independent experts when possible, cross-examine adverse
witnesses, present witnesses on behalf of the minor, articulate the wishes of
the minor, and otherwise fully represent the minor in the proceeding. Counsel
appointed by the court shall be compensated in an amount not to exceed $ 100.

HISTORY: 1990, c. 975; 1993, c. 344; 2004, cc. 66, 1014; 2008, c. 807; 2010, cc.
778, 825.