Rule 10-165. Attorney appearances; withdrawal and substitution of counsel; signing of pleadings.

A. Entry of appearance. Whenever an attorney undertakes to represent a party in any children's court action, the attorney shall file a written entry of appearance in the cause, unless the attorney was appointed by written order of the court. For the purpose of this rule, the filing of any pleading signed by an attorney constitutes an entry of appearance. B. Continued representation. An attorney who has entered an appearance or who has been appointed by the court to represent a party in a children's court proceeding shall continue such representation until relieved by the court, unless a substitution of counsel is filed not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the adjudicatory hearing. C. Substitution of counsel. Except as provided in Paragraph B of this rule, no attorney or firm who has entered an appearance in a children's court proceeding may withdraw as counsel without a written order of the court. The court may condition consent to withdraw upon substitution of other counsel or the filing by a party of proof of service on all other parties of an address at which service may be made upon the party. Following withdrawal by counsel, an unrepresented party shall have twenty (20) days within which to secure counsel or be deemed to have entered an appearance pro se. Notice of withdrawal and substitution of counsel shall be filed with the court and served on all parties either by withdrawing counsel or by substituted counsel. D. Failure to observe rules. An attorney who willfully fails to observe the requirements of these rules, including prescribed time limitations, may be held in contempt of court and subject to disciplinary action. E. Signing of pleadings. Every pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's individual name, whose address and telephone number shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign the party's pleading and state the party's address and telephone number. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney constitutes a certificate by the signer that the signer has read the pleading; that to the best of the signer's knowledge, information and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay.