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.)