MS SB2179

Changes failure to pay guardian ad litem fees from a contempt of court violation to enforcement as a civil debt through standard civil proceedings, judgment reduction, attachment, and garnishment.

Applies new enforcement mechanism to guardians ad litem appointed in general civil cases (Section 9-5-89), youth court proceedings (Section 43-21-121), custody and abuse/neglect cases in chancery court (Section 93-11-65), termination of parental rights cases (Section 93-15-107), contested adoption proceedings (Section 93-17-8), and felony parental child sexual abuse cases (Section 97-5-42).

Preserves the existing distinction that unpaid child support and alimony remain enforceable as contempt of court, while guardian ad litem fees follow standard civil debt collection procedures.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.