Section 1470 Of Chapter 4. Appointment Of Legal Counsel From California Probate Code >> Division 4. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 4.
1470
. (a) The court may appoint private legal counsel for a ward, a
proposed ward, a conservatee, or a proposed conservatee in any
proceeding under this division if the court determines the person is
not otherwise represented by legal counsel and that the appointment
would be helpful to the resolution of the matter or is necessary to
protect the person's interests.
(b) If a person is furnished legal counsel under this section, the
court shall, upon conclusion of the matter, fix a reasonable sum for
compensation and expenses of counsel. The sum may, in the discretion
of the court, include compensation for services rendered, and
expenses incurred, before the date of the order appointing counsel.
(c) The court shall order the sum fixed under subdivision (b) to
be paid:
(1) If the person for whom legal counsel is appointed is an adult,
from the estate of that person.
(2) If the person for whom legal counsel is appointed is a minor,
by a parent or the parents of the minor or from the minor's estate,
or any combination thereof, in any proportions the court deems just.
(3) If a ward or proposed ward is furnished legal counsel for a
guardianship proceeding, upon its own motion or that of a party, the
court shall determine whether a parent or parents of the ward or
proposed ward or the estate of the ward or proposed ward is
financially unable to pay all or a portion of the cost of counsel
appointed pursuant to this section. Any portion of the cost of that
counsel that the court finds the parent or parents or the estate of
the ward or proposed ward is unable to pay shall be paid by the
county. The Judicial Council shall adopt guidelines to assist in
determining financial eligibility for county payment of counsel
appointed by the court pursuant to this chapter.
(d) The court may make an order under subdivision (c) requiring
payment by a parent or parents of the minor only after the parent or
parents, as the case may be, have been given notice and the
opportunity to be heard on whether the order would be just under the
circumstances of the particular case.