GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 2239

Short Title:  Guardian Ad Litem/Termination/Funds.	(Public)
─────────────────────────────────────── 
Sponsors: Representative Stam.
─────────────────────────────────────── 
Referred to:  Judiciary.
─────────────────────────────────────── 

June 1, 1990

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO GIVE THE COURT DISCRETION TO APPOINT GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN UNCONTESTED TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS CASES.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 7A-289.29 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"( c)	Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, in proceedings under this Article, the appointment of a guardian ad litem shall not be required except as provided in subsection (b) of this section when an answer is filed and as provided in G.S. 7A-289.23 to represent a parent.  The court may, in its discretion, appoint a guardian ad litem for a child either before or after determining the existence of grounds for termination in order to assist the court in determining the best interests of the child."
Sec. 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts the sum of $10,000 for the 1990-91 fiscal year to fund this act.
Sec. 3.  This act shall become effective July 1, 1990, and applies to cases filed on and after that date.