Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about why attorneys are sometimes appointed to represent minors. In domestic relations or dissolution cases — typically divorce cases or cases involving the modification of a parenting plan — a child is often not considered a party; the parties are usually the parents. However, due to the high levels of conflict common in these cases and the reluctance of many judges to have children testify in court, particularly against one parent or another depending on their age, Oregon has a statute requiring that a judge appoint an attorney if a child requests one in a family law case. Additionally, the judge has the option to appoint an attorney if either parent requests one. This appointment ensures that children have their voices heard in court without the need to testify live.