RULE 8.615. PROVIDING COUNSEL TO PARTIES
Compilation updated · Source captured 2026-10-10. Florida Bar compilation; later amendments may exist. A compilation update date is not the effective date of every rule.
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RULE 8.615. PROVIDING COUNSEL TO PARTIES
(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.
PDF page 259(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.