709Parties—representation

709 Parties—representation (1) A party to a proceeding under the care and protection chapters may appear before the court— (a) in person; or (b) represented by a lawyer; or (c) with the leave of the court, represented by someone else. Note Representation of children and young people is dealt with in the Court Procedures Act 2004, pt 7A (Procedural provisions—proceedings involving children). (2) Also, the director-general may appear before the court by the director-general’s delegate or someone authorised to appear on the director-general’s behalf.

(3) If a party to a proceeding under the care and protection chapters (the represented party) is represented by a lawyer in the proceeding, the lawyer must file with the court, and give to each other party to the proceeding, a written statement that the lawyer acts for the represented party and an address in the ACT for service of documents. (4) A lawyer may stop representing a party to a proceeding under the care and protection chapters only if the lawyer files with the court, and gives to each other party to the proceeding, a written statement to that effect.