Mississippi establishes discretionary appointment of counsel for minors in guardianship matters

In 2019, the Mississippi legislature enacted SB 2828, to create the Mississippi Guardianship and Conservatorship Act.  Under the law, "A person interested in the welfare of a minor, including the minor, may petition for appointment of a guardian for the minor." Miss. Code Ann. § 93-20-202.  In such matters, the court is permitted to appoint counsel for the child.  Specifically, Miss. Code Ann. § 93-20-204 states:

The court may appoint an attorney to represent a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under Section 93-20-202 if:

(a) Requested by the minor who is fourteen (14) years of age or older;
(b) Recommended by a guardian ad litem; or
(c) The court determines the minor needs representation.