98Right of appearance

#### 98 Right of appearance 98 Right of appearance > > (1) In any proceedings with respect to a child or young person— > > > > > (a) the child or young person and each person having parental responsibility for the child or young person, and > > > > > (b) the Secretary, and > > > > > (c) the Minister, > > > > may appear in person or be legally represented or, by leave of the Children’s Court, be represented by an agent, and may examine and cross-examine witnesses on matters relevant to the proceedings. > > > (2) However, if the Children’s Court is of the opinion that a party to the proceedings who seeks to appear in person is not capable of adequately representing himself or herself, it may require the party to be legally represented. > > > (2A) If the Children’s Court is of the opinion that a party to the proceedings is incapable of giving proper instructions to a legal representative, the Children’s Court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the person under section 100 or 101 (as the case may require). > > > (3) In any proceedings with respect to a child or young person, any other person who, in the opinion of the Children’s Court, has a genuine concern for the safety, welfare and well-being of the child or young person may, by leave of the Children’s Court, appear in person in the proceedings, or be legally represented, or be represented by an agent, and may examine and cross-examine witnesses on matters relevant to the proceedings. > > **s 98:** Am 2006 No 60, Sch 1 \[34\]; 2021 No 16, Sch 3\[9\].