Discretionary appointment of counsel

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Legislation, Custody Disputes - Children

In custody disputes between parents, Ark. Code Ann. § 9-13-101(e)(2) specifies, "When a circuit judge determines that the appointment of an attorney ad litem would facilitate a case in which custody is an issue and further protect the rights of the child, the circuit judge may appoint a private attorney to represent the child."  The rest of the statutory section goes on to specify attorney qualification requirements, provide judges with the power to set fee limits, and dictate that the funds for the attorney come from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Appointment of Counsel: discretionary Qualified: no