Discretionary appointment of attorney ad litem for kids
Utah Code § 78A-2-703 permits district courts to appoint an attorney ad litem for children in certain situations. Specifically, the provision states:
(1) A district court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of a minor in the following district court matters:
(a) protective order proceedings; and
(b) district court actions when:
(i) child abuse, child sexual abuse, or neglect is alleged in a formal complaint, petition, or counterclaim;
(ii) the child abuse, child sexual abuse, or neglect described in Subsection (1)(b)(i) has been reported to Child Protective Services;
(iii) the court makes a finding that the adult parties to the case are indigent individuals, as defined in Section 78B-22-102; and
(iv) the district court determines that there are no private attorney guardians ad litem who are reasonably available to be appointed in the district court action.
