Andrew Wolfson reports in today's Courier-Journal, Family Court Attoney Fees Stand. I loved the quote from Jefferson Circuit Court Chief Judge, Family Division, Stephen M. George:
The importance of work done by GALs and CACs cannot be overstated...There are very few judicial acts that have as profound effects as the actions made involving the parent-child relationship.
John H. Helmers, Jr., one of the moving parties, advises that while the article is balanced, it does not mention that the Finance Cabinet was held in contempt of court for failure to pay fees ordered where it did not take proper steps to obtain relief from the order. Further:
It also fails to state that the Finance Cabinet has implemented a new policy (without a corresponding legislative change) last summer. The net result of the change from the former policy (ten years.
plus) is a dramatic reduction in fees -- putting some of our most vulnerable citizens, including abused children and the poor, at risk of having lesser or no representation
Here is a copy of the Order: Download order011107.pdf
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