Attorney for minor or parent

59-30,131. Attorney for minor or parent. (a) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, if: (1) Requested by the minor and the minor is 12 years of age or older; (2) recommended by a guardian ad litem; or (3) the court determines the minor needs representation. (b) An attorney appointed under subsection (a) shall: (1) Make a reasonable effort to ascertain the minor's wishes; (2) advocate for the minor's wishes to the extent reasonably ascertainable; and (3) if the minor's wishes are not reasonably ascertainable, advocate for the minor's best interest. (c) A minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, may retain an attorney to represent the minor in the proceeding. (d) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent of a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, if the court determines the parent needs representation. History: L. 2025, ch. 40, § 54; January 1, 2026. Source or Prior Law: 59-3065.