Amicus Attorney
Pronounced: AM-ih-kuss uh-TUR-nee
What it means: An amicus attorney is a lawyer appointed by the court to help the judge decide what is in the best interest of the child. They do not represent the parents or the child. Instead, they investigate the family situation and make a neutral recommendation to the court.
Example: "The court appointed an amicus attorney to speak with both parents and the child before the custody hearing."
When it’s used: Used in custody disputes, especially when the judge needs more information about the family dynamic but wants a neutral third-party view. They’re most common in high-conflict or complex parenting situations.
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