S.B. No. 1838 amends the Family Code to enhance the appointment and compensation processes for attorneys ad litem in cases involving the parent-child relationship filed by governmental entities. The bill specifies that courts must appoint an attorney ad litem to represent certain parties, including indigent parents and alleged fathers, in cases where the termination of parental rights or the appointment of a conservator is requested. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding the compensation of these attorneys, stating that they are entitled to reasonable fees and expenses, which will be paid by the parents unless they are indigent. If the parents are indigent and the attorney is not affiliated with a public legal representation entity, the attorney will be compensated from the county's general funds.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new fee schedule for attorneys ad litem, which must be developed and adopted by the courts in each county by January 1, 2026. This schedule will outline the specific services and expenses eligible for payment, including time spent in court and necessary travel expenses. The bill also includes provisions for the removal of attorneys from the list of qualified individuals if they submit fraudulent claims for payment. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to attorneys appointed after January 1, 2026.

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)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.015 (Family Code 107)
Engrossed: Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.015 (Family Code 107)
House Committee Report: Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.015 (Family Code 107)
Enrolled: Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.015 (Family Code 107)