Minor’s Counsel
The way it USED to be done:
The way it’s done NOW:
The Wild West of Minor’s Counsel
A Lawyer + 12 Hours
To qualify as Minor’s Counsel, attorneys are required to complete just 12 hours of specialized training - covering statutes, court rules, custody case law, child development, and the duties of representing children in family court.
Twelve hours. That’s all it takes to be deemed an “expert” in navigating high-conflict custody battles, interpreting a child’s emotional needs, and influencing life-altering decisions—often without ever truly knowing the child.
Overbilling
Minor’s Counsel are notorious for inflating their bills and charging excessive fees - often while being subsidized by county funds and still billing parents at a reduced rate. Despite this, many routinely ignore calls, are rarely available, and drag out custody proceedings, delaying resolution and prolonging emotional distress for both parents and children.
Constant Cash Flow
Minor’s Counsel have zero incentive to reach a timely resolution. Once a case is closed, the billing stops, so dragging it out means more monthly invoices, court appearances, and profit. Sound familiar? That’s because your lawyer may be doing it too. In family court, delay isn’t a bug—it’s a business model. Painful and traumatizing custody battles are delayed to maximize profits.
Disclosure + Bribery Issues
There have been allegations that judges have failed to disclose their social, professional, or financial relationships with attorneys appointed as Minor’s Counsel, particularly in family law cases.
Because the opinions of the Minor’s Counsel often carry decisive weight in custody determinations, the role is especially vulnerable to bribery and undue influence. There have been troubling reports of parents offering donations to a Minor’s Counsel’s preferred charity, providing gifts, or extending personal favors—tactics used to sway recommendations in their favor. These actions compromise the integrity of the process and can lead to decisions that prioritize parental advantage over a child’s well-being.
Lack of Transparency + Oversight
Serious concerns about the lack of transparency in appointing Minor’s Counsel have been raised. The selection process is often opaque, with little oversight or accountability, fueling questions about fairness, favoritism, and potential conflicts of interest.
To make matters worse, reports indicate that the State Bar of California has been slow to investigate and discipline attorneys accused of overbilling and misconduct in family law cases. This raises concerns about oversight, accountability, and protecting vulnerable families caught in prolonged, expensive custody disputes.
