Opinion Number

Dear Judge Ezell:

You have requested the legal opinion of this office concerning the payment of fees and expenses for attorneys appointed to represent an indigent child and parent(s) in child protection proceedings. The specific proceedings under review are child in need of care and termination of parental rights proceedings.

Both the child and his parents are entitled to counsel in a child in need of care proceeding. Articles 607 and 608 of the Louisiana Children's Code respectively provide, in pertinent part:

Art. 607. Child's right to appointed counsel; payment

A. In every proceeding under…