(a) Appointment.--The court may appoint counsel to represent the child if the court determines that the appointment will assist in resolving the issues in the custody proceeding. If a child has legal counsel and a guardian ad litem, counsel shall represent the legal interests of the child and the guardian ad litem shall represent the best interests of the child.
(b) Abuse.--Substantial allegations of abuse constitute a reasonable basis for appointing counsel for the child.
(c) Not subject to examination.--Counsel appointed by the court for the child shall not be subject to examination unless such counsel testifies in the matter.
(d) Costs.--The court may order a party to pay all or part of the costs of appointing counsel for the child under this section.
(Apr. 15, 2024, P.L.24, No.8, eff. 120 days)
2024 Amendment. Act 8 amended subsec. (b). See section 1 of Act 8 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to findings and declarations.
Cross References. Section 5335 is referred to in section 5334 of this title.