Opinion ID: 1608613
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: standard of review for determining if special reasons are present

Text: Before we turn to the question whether special reasons exist requiring the appointment of separate counsel, we must determine the appropriate standard of review. Generally, juvenile cases are reviewed de novo on the record, and the appellate court is required to reach a conclusion independent of the trial court's findings. In re Interest of Anthony R. et al., 264 Neb. 699, 651 N.W.2d 231 (2002). We have, however, employed an abuse of discretion standard in situations when the Legislature has granted the juvenile courts broad discretion to act or not to act. See, e.g., In re Interest of Brandy M. et al., 250 Neb. 510, 550 N.W.2d 17 (1996) (holding prompt adjudication determinations are reviewed de novo to determine if there has been abuse of discretion); In re Interest of D.D.P., 235 Neb. 864, 458 N.W.2d 193 (1990) (holding whether juvenile should be present during § 43-247(3)(a) proceedings rests in discretion of court). The Legislature has granted broad power to the juvenile courts to determine whether the guardian ad litem role and the role of counsel for the juvenile should be split. Accordingly, we review the decision whether to use that power de novo on the record for an abuse of discretion.