Senate Bill 141 came before the Senate yesterday and was continued for additional discussions, perhaps this week. The original version of the bill reduced the cap for a GAL from $500 to $250. An amendment struck the cap entirely, leaving the amount of the fee award to the discretion of the court.
Providing good representation to abused and neglected children in dependency proceedings is highly important. As the Kentucky Law Review posted in a comment from John Helmers last week, the $500 cap on GAL fees has not been raised in 20 years.
Now is a good time to voice your concern to the legislature. You can locate your legislator here. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Kentucky Chapter has endorsed increased funding for GALs.
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