The Family Procedure Rules 2010

Children’s guardian, solicitor and reports under section 7 of the 1989 Act

12.6.  As soon as practicable after the issue of proceedings or the transfer of the proceedings to the court, the court will—

(a) in specified proceedings, appoint a children’s guardian under rule 16.3(1) unless—

(i) such an appointment has already been made by the court which made the transfer and is subsisting; or

(ii) the court considers that such an appointment is not necessary to safeguard the interests of the child;

(b) where section 41(3) of the 1989 Act applies, consider whether a solicitor should be appointed to represent the child, and if so, appoint a solicitor accordingly;

(c) consider whether to ask an officer of the service or a Welsh family proceedings officer for advice relating to the welfare of the child;

(d) consider whether a report relating to the welfare of the child is required, and if so, request such a report in accordance with section 7 of the 1989 Act.

(Part 16 sets out the rules relating to representation of children.)