Court Opinion

ID: 9737826
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 19:35:06.339457+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:01.649660
License: Public Domain

STATON, Judge,
concurs in result.
The question of adequate representation is best determined at the trial level-not the appellate level. There are several compelling reasons for this conclusion. First, the trial judge is very familiar with the local practicing bar and the capabilities of its members. Secondly, the trial judge is usually acquainted with the complexities of the case about to be heard in his court and is aware of the degree of competency required to meet these complexities. The minor and his lay volunteer representative may have little or no knowledge of either. Therefore, I would require the trial judge to consider the appointment of a guardian ad litem so that the record would show the rationale relied upon by the trial judge when a guardian ad litem is not appointed; otherwise, the minor’s rights can not be properly protected in our judicial system when an *315appeal is taken. Brown v. Ripley (1960), Fla.App., 119 So.2d 712.