SB74 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Vivian Davis FiguresSenator
Democrat
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: The bill lets courts pay guardians ad litem for certain juvenile dependency cases up to $5,000, instead of the current $2,500, with a written justification required if the limit is exceeded.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 15-12-21 to raise the maximum fee for guardians ad litem in certain juvenile dependency cases to $5,000. If the court wants to exceed $2,500, it must issue a written order stating the reasons for the waiver, and the total can still not exceed $5,000. Fees are calculated based on hours at $70 per hour and follow the existing fee-cap structure for other case types, plus the 90-day payment timeline and related reimbursement processes remain in place.

Who It Affects
Guardians ad litem representing children in juvenile dependency cases: may receive higher compensation (up to $5,000) and must have a written justification if the limit is waived above $2,500.
Trial courts and the office/director of indigent defense: responsible for certifying fees, documenting any waivers with written orders, and ensuring timely payment.
Juvenile dependents (children) in dependency proceedings: may benefit from stronger advocacy due to increased resources available to guardians ad litem.

Key Provisions
Raises the guardian ad litem fee cap in juvenile dependency cases from $2,500 to up to $5,000.
Requires a written court order detailing the reasons for waiving the $2,500 limit when certifying fees over $2,500.
Keeps the hourly calculation ($70 per hour) and overall fee caps by case type, with the higher $5,000 cap specifically for guardians ad litem in juvenile dependency cases.
Maintains the existing fee approval, billing, and payment procedures, including a 90-day payment window and required documentation.

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