CA AB3049

Require counsel for minors and nonminor dependents to meet regularly with clients regardless of age or communication ability, and maintain sufficient personal contact to establish an adequate attorney-client relationship.

Expand minor's right to be present at juvenile court hearings to include nonminor dependents, with court required to inform them of rights to physical presence and allow consultation with counsel.

Grant courts authority to continue hearings to allow counsel reasonable time to contact a minor or nonminor dependent if they were not present and had no opportunity to consult with counsel.

Prohibit counsel from waiving a client's appearance if the client is 10 years or older unless receiving direction from the minor or nonminor dependent, with courts able to extend this requirement to minors under 10 by local rule.

Clarify that if a minor or nonminor dependent participates remotely, court must inform them of their right to be physically present and grant counsel's continuance request unless the continuance would be contrary to the dependent's interests.