Dependency Law Finder

Florida's dependency statutes, court rules and DCF operating procedures, with the appellate opinions that apply them

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Providing counsel to partiesRule 8.615

Part IV · Proceedings for Families and Children in Need of Services · Rules of Juvenile Procedure (October 1, 2026 ed.)

0 opinions cite Rule 8.615

Cited as rule 8.615 under earlier numbering (1)

These opinions cite a rule numbered 8.615 before that number meant this rule: before the rules were renumbered on July 1, 1991, or before this rule was adopted (effective 1991-07-01). They are about a different rule.

0 admin code rules cite Rule 8.615

DCF's rules in Chapter 65C, Florida Administrative Code, that cite it.

No admin code rule cites Rule 8.615.

0 CFOPs cite Rule 8.615

How DCF carries it out. A page opens in the CFOP reader with the citation highlighted.

No CFOP cites Rule 8.615.

Shading shows how often opinions cite each provision: rarely sometimes often most. Click a provision to list the opinions citing it.

(a) Duty of the Court.

(1) At each stage of the proceeding the court shall advise all parties of their right to have counsel present. The court shall appoint counsel to insolvent persons who are so entitled as provided by law. The court shall ascertain whether the right to counsel is understood and, where appropriate, knowingly and intelligently waived. The court shall enter its findings in writing with respect to the appointment or waiver of counsel for insolvent parties.

(2) The court may appoint an attorney for the child or parent, guardian, or custodian of the child as provided by law.

(b) Waiver of Counsel.

(1) No waiver shall be accepted where it appears that the party is unable to make an intelligent and understanding choice because of mental condition, age, education, experience, the nature or complexity of the case, or other factors.

(2) A waiver of counsel shall be made in court and be of record.

(3) If a waiver is accepted at any stage of the proceedings, the offer of assistance of counsel shall be renewed by the court at each subsequent stage of the proceedings at which the party appears without counsel.

Amendments since the 1991 renumbering

From the Florida Bar edition's table of amending opinions. Where it lists a range of rules ("8.400–8.410"), each rule in the range today is listed.