HB3481 Summary

• Court may appoint an individual to serve as attorney, guardian ad litem, or child representative in cases involving a minor child, but only upon showing of good cause.

• Guardian ad litem must testify and submit a written report at least 30 days before trial, may not communicate with expert witnesses or court appointees, and may not file pleadings or attend hearings unless expected to testify.

• Child representative must be an attorney, may not communicate ex parte with experts or court appointees, and must disclose advocacy position in pre-trial memorandum rather than serving as a witness.

• Guardian ad litem or child representative compensation limited to $150 per hour, with automatic annual adjustment based on consumer price index beginning in 2012.

• Failure to submit detailed invoices within required 90-day periods precludes payment for services in those periods; court may not award lump sum fees or authorize non-itemized bills.