PART 7LITIGATION FRIEND, CHILDREN'S GUARDIAN, REPORTING OFFICER AND CHILDREN AND FAMILY REPORTER
SECTION 1LITIGATION FRIEND
How a person becomes a litigation friend by court order55.
(1)
The court may make an order appointing—
(a)
the Official Solicitor;
(b)
in the case of a non-subject child, an officer of the Service or a Welsh family proceedings officer (if he consents); or
(c)
some other person (if he consents)
as a litigation friend.
(2)
An order appointing a litigation friend may be made by the court of its own initiative or on the application of—
(a)
a person who wishes to be a litigation friend; or
(b)
a party to the proceedings.
(3)
The court may at any time direct that a party make an application for an order under paragraph (2).
(4)
An application for an order appointing a litigation friend must be supported by evidence.
(5)
Unless the court directs otherwise, a person appointed under this rule to be a litigation friend for a non-subject child or patient will be treated as a party for the purpose of any provision in these Rules requiring a document to be served on, or sent to, or notice to be given to, a party to the proceedings.
(6)
Subject to rule 53(4), the court may not appoint a litigation friend under this rule unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed complies with the conditions specified in rule 53(3).