S.B. No. 1838 amends the Family Code to enhance the appointment and compensation processes for attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by governmental entities. The bill introduces new provisions that require courts to jointly develop and adopt a fee schedule for compensating attorneys ad litem, which must include specific payments for time spent in court and out of court, as well as reimbursement for necessary expenses. Additionally, it establishes a process for removing attorneys from the list of qualified individuals if they submit false claims for payment and allows for appeals regarding denied or modified payment claims.

The bill also clarifies the applicability of certain sections of the Family Code to include suits filed under Subtitle E and mandates that courts appoint attorneys from designated offices unless conflicts of interest arise. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, with a requirement for counties to adopt the fee schedule by January 1, 2026, ensuring that the updated compensation structure is in place for attorneys ad litem appointed after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 107.015, Family Code 107.252, Family Code 107.254, Family Code 107.255, Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.012, Family Code 107.307 (Family Code 107)