Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 211
Juvenile Courts
←211.459
Section 211.462.1
211.464→
August 28, 2015
Appointment of guardian ad litem, when--rights of parent or guardian--county to pay court costs, exceptions.
211.462. 1. In all actions to terminate parental rights, if not
previously appointed pursuant to section 210.160, a guardian ad litem shall
be appointed for the child as soon as practicable after the filing of the
petition.
2. The parent or guardian of the person of the child shall be notified
of the right to have counsel, and if they request counsel and are financially
unable to employ counsel, counsel shall be appointed by the court. Notice of
this provision shall be contained in the summons. When the parent is a minor
or incompetent the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent such
parent.
3. The guardian ad litem shall, during all stages of the proceedings:
(1) Be the legal representative of the child, and may examine,
cross-examine, subpoena witnesses and offer testimony. The guardian ad litem
may also initiate an appeal of any disposition that he determines to be
adverse to the best interests of the child;
(2) Be an advocate for the child during the dispositional hearing and aid
in securing a permanent placement plan for the child. To ascertain the
child's wishes, feelings, attachments, and attitudes, he shall conduct all
necessary interviews with persons, other than the parent, having contact with
or knowledge of the child and, if appropriate, with the child;
(3) Protect the rights, interest and welfare of a minor or incompetent
parent by exercising the powers and duties enumerated in subdivisions (1) and
(2) of this subsection.
4. Court costs shall be paid by the county in which the proceeding is
instituted, except that the court may require the agency or person having or
receiving legal or actual custody to pay the costs.
(L. 1978 H.B. 972 § 5, A.L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al.)
Top
Missouri General Assembly
Copyright © Missouri Legislature, all rights reserved.
