In re the Guardianship & Custody of Alexander L.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Jones, J.

A parent who is to be examined by a court-appointed psychiatrist in a proceeding to terminate the parental relationship on account of mental illness of the parent is entitled to have his or her attorney present during the examination if the parent so desires, in the absence of a demonstration as to how such presence would impair the validity and effectiveness of the particular examination.

In July, 1980 respondent Cardinal McCloskey Children and Family Services filed a petition with Family Court, New York County, pursuant to section 384-b of the Social Services…