HB182 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Indigent defense, juvenile court, guardian ad litems, maximum atty fee for services raised, Sec. 15-12-21 am'd.

Summary

HB182 would raise the maximum fee for guardians ad litem in certain juvenile dependency cases from $2,500 to up to $5,000, with written justification required for any waiver.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases the cap on guardian ad litem fees in specific juvenile dependency cases from $2,500 to $5,000. It allows the limit to be waived for good cause by the trial court and the director, but requires a written order detailing the reasons for the waiver. If a total fee over $2,500 is approved, the court must document the factors used to determine the amount, and the total may not exceed $5,000. All other fee caps for non-juvenile cases remain unchanged.

Who It Affects

• Guardians ad litem representing children in juvenile dependency cases, who could receive fees up to $5,000 with court approval and must have waivers justified in writing.
• Trial courts and the Director of Indigent Defense Services, who oversee and document fee approvals, including waivers, and must issue written orders stating the reasons for any waiver.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 15-12-21 to allow trial courts to certify guardian ad litem fees up to $5,000 in certain juvenile dependency cases.
• Authorizes waivers of the $2,500 limit for good cause in juvenile dependency cases for guardians ad litem, but requires a written order from the court (and the director) stating the reasons for the waiver.
• If the total fee exceeds $2,500, the court must document the factors considered; the total fee cannot exceed $5,000.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Attorneys