Apply for a Court-Appointed Lawyer in a CHIPS Case

You should use this form if:

• You are the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child.

• Child Protection (CPS) has filed a CHIPS (child in need of protection) or Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) case about your child.

• You want a lawyer but can’t afford one.
   

Read our fact sheets Child Protection (CPS) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) for more information.

You have a few different options for getting the forms:

1. If the court case is in Hennepin County, use Hennepin County’s online form: Hennepin County Online Eligibility Form.
    
2. Use the court’s free Guide & File program. This program works by asking you questions. It uses your answers to fill out your form. It lets you file your forms with the court electronically. You can also print your forms and take them in person to the court to file.
   
   To start the interview:
   Go to Minnesota Guide and File
   Click "Request for Attorney – Juvenile Protection Case"
    
3. Download the forms. If you don’t want to use the Hennepin County online form or the Minnesota Guide and File to fill out your forms, you can download the blank form. The court has instructions that go with the form. You need to download the instructions and the form separately.
   
   Go to the court page Apply for Court-Appointed Attorney (CHIPS) and click “PDF” next to the Instructions and “PDF” or “DOCX” next to the Affidavit for Court-Appointed Attorney (CHIPS).