One of the many rights litigants have is the right to be represented by counsel of their own choosing. Simple, right? Well, not really. An attorney of your choosing could be disqualified from representing you if that attorney had participated in the matter prior to your representation and your adversary does not consent to the attorney representing you. Additionally, an attorney could be disqualified from representing you if the attorney is likely to be a witness in the matter, under certain circumstances pursuant the Rules of Professional Conduct (“RPC”). Whether the RPC prevents an individual from being represented by an attorney of their own choosing is a fact sensitive matter. Continue reading ›
Articles Tagged with right to counsel
Does a New Jersey Court Have to Provide Counsel and Experts to Litigants Who Do Not Pay Court Ordered Support Before Incarcerating Them?
Most times, when courts award alimony and child support the Payors comply with their court ordered support obligations. In some instances, unfortunately, compliance with such orders wains and the issue of enforcement of court ordered support obligations must be addressed by the Court. New Jersey Court Rule 1:10-3 provides a vehicle for the Payee to seek enforcement of support orders through an application for the “Enforcement of Litigant’s Rights” and provides a plethora of coercive vehicles to a court to compel compliance with court ordered support obligations. Clearly the most effective of these coercive vehicles is the ability to incarcerate the payor until compliance in the form of payment is forth coming. Continue reading ›
Is There a Right to Counsel in Domestic Violence Cases? New Jersey Supreme Court Says ‘No’
Back on January 24, 2013, exactly one year ago today, the Appellate Division delivered a published opinion with regard to the issue of an indigent defendant’s right to counsel, or lack thereof, in a domestic violence setting. D.N. v K.M., 429 N.J. Super. 592 (App. Div. 2013). Continue reading ›