Opinion ID: 2513918
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Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Appointment of Separate Counsel for Separate Siblings

Text: The children argue that the trial court should have appointed a separate attorney for Crystal and another for Celine and Angel when their trial counsel expressed concern at the February 25, 2002, hearing about representing all three. Where a child is not represented by counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the child unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its reasons for that finding. (§ 317, subd. (c).) Here, the court did appoint counsel for the children, although just one for all three. The law has been somewhat uncertain regarding whether and under what circumstances separate siblings must have separate counsel. The children do not argue that each child must always have his or her own attorney. We agree that the court should not automatically appoint separate counsel for separate children. In a dependency case, each parent generally has separate counsel. Another attorney represents the social services agency. Counsel for the children is the fourth attorney in the case. Thus, four attorneys appeared at the February 25, 2002, hearing of this case. If each child had separate counsel, matters could become unwieldy, especially when there are several children; so many attorneys could interfere with the need to resolve dependency questions expeditiously as well as fairly. For example, Carroll v. Superior Court (2002) 101 Cal.App.4th 1423, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 891 (Carroll) , discussed further below, involved seven children. Separate counsel for each would have resulted in a total of 10 attorneys, which would have made the matter resemble complex litigation. In addition to the obvious inefficiencies of having so many attorneyswho might create scheduling difficulties and push the case in contradictory directionsand the serious draining of scarce public resources, separate counsel could also unnecessarily make siblings feel they are adversaries, which could harm their ability to provide mutual emotional support. Having a single attorney would also permit the children to consult with their attorney together rather than separately, which can be quite beneficial in the often intimidating environment of judicial proceedings. Children's interests are not always adversarial, and they should not always be treated as such. On the other hand, sometimes the interests of siblings are so conflicting that they should have separate counsel. We must determine the exact standard for trial courts to apply when first appointing counsel and thereafter. Some courts have held that the court must appoint separate counsel for siblings only when an actual, not merely potential, conflict arises among them. ( In re Candida S. (1992) 7 Cal.App.4th 1240, 1252, 9 Cal.Rptr.2d 521; In re Richard H. (1991) 234 Cal.App.3d 1351, 1367, 285 Cal.Rptr. 917.) Another said that there must be separate counsel whenever a potential conflict of interest exists. ( In re Elizabeth M. (1991) 232 Cal.App.3d 553, 565, 283 Cal.Rptr. 483.) The relevant statute seems to require separate counsel only when an actual conflict exists. Counsel for the child may be a district attorney, public defender, or other member of the bar, provided that the counsel does not represent another party or county agency whose interests conflict with the child's. (§ 317, subd. (c), italics added.) As pointed out in In re Richard H., supra, at page 1367, 285 Cal.Rptr. 917, the original bill that became the revised section 317 said, provided that the counsel does not represent another party or county agency whose interest may conflict with the minor's. (Sen. Bill No. 243 (1987 1988 Reg. Sess.) § 22, p. 23, as introduced Jan. 26, 1987, italics added.) A later amendment deleted the word may, and the language became provided that the counsel does not represent another party or county agency whose interests conflict with the minor's. (Sen. Bill No. 243, supra, § 21, p. 23, as amended in Assembly July 9, 1987.) Thus, may conflict, which would seem to include a potential conflict, became conflict, which seems to require an actual conflict. The California Rules of Professional Conduct (rules) appear to differ slightly from section 317. Rule 3-310(C) provides that, without each client's written consent, an attorney shall not: (1) Accept representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients potentially conflict; or [U] (2) Accept or continue representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients actually conflict.... Thus, this provision states that at the outset, an attorney may not accept representation if there is a potential conflict; it does not require an actual conflict. In Carroll, supra, 101 Cal.App.4th 1423, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 891, the court sought to reconcile the apparent tension between section 317 and rule 3-310(C). The Carroll court first held that an attorney must withdraw from an existing representation only when an actual conflict arises among multiple clients. ( Carroll, supra, 101 Cal.App.4th at p. 1428, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 891.) Noting the language of rule 3-310, it then considered when an attorney must refuse to accept representation of multiple clients at the outset due to a potential conflict among them. It noted that there may always be at least a theoretical potential conflict among siblings. ( Carroll, supra, at p. 1429, 124 Cal. Rptr.2d 891.) This theoretical potential conflict exists from the commencement of a multi-sibling dependency proceeding because of the possibility reunification will be unsuccessful and the siblings' interests may differ at the permanent plan stage; therefore, in multiple sibling cases, it can be argued that separate counsel must be appointed for each at the commencement of the proceedings. On the other hand, dependency proceedings often result in reunification and even if they do not, multi-sibling permanent plans do not necessarily involve an actual conflict. Although a theoretical potential conflict of interest exists in each multiple sibling dependency proceeding, it appears this potential conflict is theoretical, not realistic. Therefore, appointment of separate counsel for each sibling at the commencement of the dependency proceeding would in most cases result in an unnecessary duplication of effort and resources. (Ibid.) A degree of tension exists between Rule 3-310, which prohibits an attorney from accepting new representation of multiple clients when a potential conflict of interest exists among the clients, and section 317, subdivision (c), which prohibits representation of a minor in a dependency proceeding and another person or agency whose interests conflict with the minor's. Rule 3-310 refers to potential conflict and section 317, subdivision (c) seems to contemplate an actual conflict. We believe, however, that in the dependency context the two concepts can be reconciled by a rule that an attorney may not represent multiple clients if an actual conflict of interest between clients exists and may not accept representation of multiple clients if there is a reasonable likelihood an actual conflict of interest between them may arise. By interpreting the Rule 3-310 concept of potential conflict to mean, at least in the dependency context, a reasonable likelihood an actual conflict will arise, it is possible to reconcile the importance of independent representation with the practicality of not overwhelming the dependency system when unnecessary. ( Carroll, supra, 101 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1429-1430, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 891.) Counsel for the children urges us to adopt the formulation in Carroll as both consistent with existing law and workable in the dependency context. We agree that the Carroll court appropriately reconciled section 317 and rule 3-310, as well as the sometimes contradictory needs to assure that everyone is properly represented but not to overburden the dependency system or unnecessarily suggest that siblings are adversaries. When first appointing counsel in a dependency matter, the court may generally appoint a single attorney to represent all the siblings. It would have to appoint separate attorneys if, but only if, there is an actual conflict among the siblings or if circumstances specific to the casenot just the potential for conflict that inheres in all multisibling dependency casespresent a reasonable likelihood an actual conflict will arise. If these specific circumstances exist, the court should appoint separate counsel at the outset rather than await an actual conflict and the possible disruption a later reappointment may cause. After the initial appointment, the court will have to relieve counsel from multiple representation if, but only if, an actual conflict arises. Nothing in the record indicates there was a reasonable likelihood an actual conflict would arise among the siblings when the court first appointed counsel in this matter. The children do not argue otherwise. The children, however, argue that the court was required to appoint separate counsel at the February 25, 2002, hearing when counsel cited the new sibling relationship exception of section 366.26, subdivision (c)(1)(E), and expressed concern that the adoption of Celine and Angel would have a negative impact on Crystal. In a similar situation, the Carroll court concluded that groups of siblings that would not be kept together may require separate counsel. ( Carroll, supra, 101 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1430-1431, 124 Cal. Rptr.2d 891.) Now that we have clarified the meaning of the sibling relationship exception, it is not clear whether this precise situation will rearise or how our interpretation of that exception would affect this question. But we need not decide whether the court erred in not relieving counsel, for any error was harmless. Citing In re Patricia E. (1985) 174 Cal. App.3d 1, 9, 219 Cal.Rptr. 783, and criminal cases, the children argue that harmless error analysis is inappropriate in cases of improper joint representation. We disagree. It is true that error in having one attorney represent multiple defendants in a criminal case, once established, is generally not susceptible of harmless error analysis (see People v. Mroczko (1983) 35 Cal.3d 86, 197 Cal.Rptr. 52, 672 P.2d 835), but the analogy to criminal cases is inapt. In In re Richard E. (1978) 21 Cal.3d 349, 146 Cal.Rptr. 604, 579 P.2d 495, we held that error in not appointing counsel for the child as well as for the parents and the social agency was subject to harmless error analysis. Failure to appoint counsel in the context of a freedom from parental custody and control proceeding is dissimilar to denial of the fundamental right to counsel where one is charged with crime or juvenile misconduct. [Citation.] None of the personal deprivations flowing from denial of counsel in juvenile court proceedings are present here. [Citations.] Accordingly, failure to appoint counsel for a minor in a freedom from parental custody and control proceeding does not require reversal of the judgment in the absence of miscarriage of justice. ( Id, at p. 355, 146 Cal.Rptr. 604, 579 P.2d 495.) Other than In re Patricia E., supra, 174 Cal.App.3d 1, 219 Cal.Rptr. 783, which followed People v. Mroczko, supra, 35 Cal.3d 86,197 Cal.Rptr. 52, 672 P.2d 835, Court of Appeal decisions have generally applied this harmless error rule to error in not appointing separate counsel for separate siblings. In In re Elizabeth M., supra, 232 Cal.App.3d at pages 566-567, 283 Cal. Rptr. 483, the court noted that a defendant's right to counsel in criminal cases is a fundamental constitutional right, but the child's right to counsel in a dependency case is solely statutory. Accordingly, it concluded that the Richard E. standard [ In re Richard E., supra, 21 Cal.3d 349, [146 Cal.Rptr. 604, 579 P.2d 495]] applies to evaluating error in failing to appoint independent counsel for children with varying interests. We thus determine whether the record reflects a miscarriage of justice in the failure to appoint separate counsel. ( In re Elizabeth M., supra, at p. 568, 283 Cal.Rptr. 483; accord, In re Candida S., supra, 7 Cal.App.4th at p. 1252, 9 Cal.Rptr.2d 521.) We conclude that the failure to appoint separate counsel for separate siblings is subject to the same harmless error standard as error in not appointing counsel for the children at all. We add another reason criminal cases are inapt. In a criminal case, reversal of a criminal judgment is virtually always in the defendant's best interest. The situation in a dependency case is often different. Reversal of an order of adoption, for example, might be contrary to the child's best interest because it would delay and might even prevent the adoption. After reunification efforts have failed, it is not only important to seek an appropriate permanent solutionusually adoption when possibleit is also important to implement that solution reasonably promptly to minimize the time during which the child is in legal limbo. A child has a compelling right to a stable, permanent placement that allows a caretaker to make a full emotional commitment to the child. ( In re Marilyn H., supra, 5 Cal.4th at p. 306, 19 Cal.Rptr.2d 544, 851 P.2d 826.) Courts should strive to give the child this stable, permanent placement, and this full emotional commitment, as promptly as reasonably possible consistent with protecting the parties' rights and making a reasoned decision. The delay an appellate reversal causes might be contrary to, rather than in, the child's best interests. Thus, a reviewing court should not mechanically set aside an adoption order because of error in not giving that child separate counsel; the error must be prejudicial under the proper standard before reversal is appropriate. Other than the general reference to a miscarriage of justice, the cases have not stated the exact harmless error test. (See, e.g., In re Daniel H., supra, 99 Cal. App.4th at p. 813, 121 Cal.Rptr.2d 475 [finding both no reasonable probability and no reasonable possibility of prejudice].) The California Constitution prohibits a court from setting aside a judgment unless the error has resulted in a miscarriage of justice. (Cal. Const., art. VI, § 13.) We have interpreted that language as permitting reversal only if the reviewing court finds it reasonably probable the result would have been more favorable to the appealing party but for the error. ( People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818, 836, 299 P.2d 243.) We believe it appropriate to apply the same test in dependency matters. A court should set aside a judgment due to error in not appointing separate counsel for a child or relieving conflicted counsel only if it finds a reasonable probability the outcome would have been different but for the error. We disapprove of anything in In re Patricia E., supra, 174 Cal.App.3d 1, 219 Cal.Rptr. 783, that is inconsistent with this conclusion. Attorneys who believe the trial court is erroneously compelling them to represent more than one child may, like the attorney in Carroll, supra, 101 Cal. App.4th 1423, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 891, seek writ relief in the Court of Appeal rather than await any appellate remedy. But attorneys should do so only if they believe it is in their clients' best interest. Sometimes the additional delay that seeking writ relief might cause could harm the children. An attorney for a child is charged in general with the representation of the child's interests (§ 317, subd. (e)) rather than always seeking a result that counsel thinks is legally correct regardless of whether that result is in the child's best interest. As did the Court of Appeal, we find harmless any error in not relieving counsel. The parents did not oppose the proposed adoption by the father's brother. If the court had relieved counsel for the children because an actual conflict had arisen, it would not necessarily have had to appoint new counsel for Celine and Angel. The court need not appoint counselor in this situation replacement counselif it finds the appointment would not benefit the child and states on the record its reasons for this finding. (§ 317, subd. (c).) At this late stage of the proceedings, after everything that had already been done, the court might have found that appointing new counsel, and continuing the permanency planning hearing yet again, would, by delaying the adoption, have been detrimental rather than beneficial to Celine and Angel, (See In re Jesse C. (1999) 71 Cal. App.4th 1481, 84 Cal.Rptr.2d 609 [court may relieve counsel from further representation when such representation would no longer benefit the child].) [3] If it had made this finding, and stated its reasons on the record, the court could have relieved counsel and simply ordered the adoption and termination of parental rights without appointing new counsel for Celine and Angel. Doing so would not have affected the outcome. Even if Celine and Angel had had separate counsel, that counsel would either have argued in favor of the adoption, which obviously would not have affected the outcome, or against it, as counsel here did in effect. We find it very unlikely that separate counsel would have convinced the court to make a different ruling when joint counsel failed. This is especially true given our conclusion that the sibling relationship exception permits the court to consider only possible detriment to Celine and Angel. Reflecting the Legislature's preference for adoption when possible, the sibling relationship exception contains strong language creating a heavy burden for the party opposing adoption. It only applies when the juvenile court determines that there is a `compelling reason' for concluding that the termination of parental rights would be `detrimental' to the child due to `substantial interference' with a sibling relationship. ( In re Daniel H., supra, 99 Cal.App.4th at p. 813, 121 Cal. Rptr.2d 475, quoting § 366.26, subd. (c)(1).) Indeed, even if adoption would interfere with a strong sibling relationship, the court must nevertheless weigh the benefit to the child of continuing the sibling relationship against the benefit the child would receive by gaining a permanent home through adoption. ( In re L.Y.L. (2002) 101 Cal.App.4th 942, 952-953, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 688.) The record discloses virtually no basis for the court to suspect the younger children felt such a bond with their older half sibling that they should not be adopted. Celine and Angel had lived with Crystal only a very short time when they were very young. When the children were placed in separate homes in September 2000, Celine was three years old and Angel less than two years old. They had been living separately from Crystal for a year and a half as of the February 2002 hearing. Given their age when separated from Crystal and the length of time they had already lived separately from her, the conclusion was virtually compelled that they had not been raised with [Crystal] in the same home and had not shared significant common experiences or [had] existing close and strong bonds with [her] (§ 366.26, subd. (c)(1)(E)), or at least that such bonds should not prevent them from gaining a permanent home through adoption. Even counsel for the children did not suggest adoption would be detrimental to Celine and Angel. Her concerns regarded Crystal. Moreover, it was undisputed at the hearing that even if Celine and Angel were not adopted, there were no prospects of their living with Crystal. Under the circumstances, the trial court reasonably discounted the importance of the sibling relationship to Celine and Angel, even if it was important to the older child, and, as does the Legislature generally, it valued more their ability to belong to a family. (See In re L.Y.L., supra, 101 Cal.App.4th at p. 953, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 688.) We find no reasonable probability the court would have chosen a different permanent plan for Celine and Angel even if it had relieved counsel from representing all three children.