§ 1022-A Preliminary orders; notice and appointment of counsel

When someone goes to court under section 1022 of this law, and that person (called the respondent) shows up, the judge has to tell them exactly what they're being accused of in the case. If the child's other parent is also there but isn't the one being accused, the judge has to tell them too.

The judge must also make sure both people have a lawyer. This means appointing a lawyer for the respondent and for the non-accused parent if they don't already have one. The only exception is if the person says they don't want a lawyer and gives up that right on their own.

This rule exists to protect people's basic rights when they're involved in a family court case. It makes sure nobody has to face serious accusations without understanding what's happening or without legal help, unless they choose to go without a lawyer themselves.