(a) Appointment.--The court may appoint counsel to represent the child if the court determines that the appointment will assist in resolving the issues in the custody proceeding. If a child has legal counsel and a guardian ad litem, counsel shall represent the legal interests of the child and the guardian ad litem shall represent the best interests of the child.
(b) Abuse.--Substantial allegations of abuse of the child constitute a reasonable basis for appointing counsel for the child.
(c) Not subject to examination.--Counsel appointed by the court for the child shall not be subject to examination unless such counsel testifies in the matter.
(d) Costs.--The court may order a party to pay all or part of the costs of appointing counsel for the child under this section.
Cross References. Section 5335 is referred to in section 5334 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Section 5321 - Scope of chapter
Section 5323 - Award of custody
Section 5324 - Standing for any form of physical custody or legal custody
Section 5325 - Standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody
Section 5326 - Effect of adoption
Section 5327 - Presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody
Section 5328 - Factors to consider when awarding custody
Section 5329 - Consideration of criminal conviction
Section 5329.1 - Consideration of child abuse and involvement with protective services
Section 5330 - Consideration of criminal charge
Section 5332 - Informational programs
Section 5333 - Counseling as part of order
Section 5334 - Guardian ad litem for child
Section 5335 - Counsel for child
Section 5336 - Access to records and information
Section 5338 - Modification of existing order
Section 5339 - Award of counsel fees, costs and expenses
Section 5340 - Court-appointed child custody health care or behavioral health practitioners