GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

S	2 

SENATE BILL 1591
Appropriations Committee Substitute Adopted 6/25/90

Short Title:  Guardian Ad Litem Clarification.	(Public)
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Sponsors:
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Referred to:  
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June 6, 1990

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN AD LITEM.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 7A-289.29 is amended by adding the following new subsections:
"( c)	In proceedings under this Article, the appointment of a guardian ad litem shall not be required except, as provided above, in cases in which an answer is filed denying material allegations, or as required under G.S. 7A-289.23; but 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 of parental rights, in order to assist the court in determining the best interests of the child.
(d)	If a guardian ad litem has previously been appointed for the child under G.S. 7A-586, and the appointment of a guardian ad litem could also be made under this section, the guardian ad litem appointed under G.S. 7A-586, and any attorney appointed to assist that guardian, shall also represent the child in all proceedings under this Article and shall have the duties and payment of a guardian ad litem appointed under this section, unless the court determines that the best interests of the child require otherwise."
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification.