Rule 7.2230. Counsel for respondent (§§ 5976(c), 5977(a)(3)(A), (a)(5)(C) & (b)(1))

Cal. Rules of Court, rule 7.2230

Current text effective July 1, 2026.

#(a) Appointment

If the court finds that the petitioner has made a prima facie showing that the respondent is or may be a person described by section 5972, the court must:

#(1) Appoint a qualified legal services project as counsel to represent the respondent; or

#(2) If no qualified legal services project has agreed to accept CARE Act appointments from the court, appoint a public defender or an attorney acting in that capacity to represent the respondent.

(Subd (a) amended effective September 1, 2024.)

#(b) Copy of petition

On appointment, the court must provide to counsel a copy of the petition.

(Subd (b) amended effective July 1, 2026.)

#(c) Substitution (§ 5977(b)(1))

#(1) The court may relieve appointed counsel:

#(A) At the request of counsel or the respondent, on substitution of the respondent's own chosen counsel or appointment of substitute counsel; or

#(B) For cause, on appointment of substitute counsel.

#(2) The respondent must make arrangements for the compensation, if any, of chosen counsel.

#History

Rule 7.2230 amended effective July 1, 2026; adopted September 1, 2023: previously amended effective September 1, 2024.

What this rule requires

Service and Proof of Service Rules

On appointment, the court must provide to counsel a copy of the petition.

Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.