Discretionary appointment of counsel

In dissolution-based custody disputes, "The court may, upon the motion of either party or upon its own motion, appoint an attorney, in good standing and licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, to serve as the legal representative of the child, representing the best interests of the child in any domestic relations proceeding that involves allocation of parental responsibilities."  Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-116(1).

An attorney that is appointed pursuant to this section shall be compensated by the state if the responsible party is indigent. "The court shall enter an order for costs, fees, and disbursements in favor of the child's legal representative appointed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The order shall be made against any or all of the parties; except that, if the responsible parties are determined to be indigent, the costs, fees, and disbursements shall be borne by the state." Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-116(3)(a).