W.Va. Trial. Ct. R. 21.06

As amended through January 31, 2024
Rule 21.06 - Compensation for a Supreme Court-Paid Guardian Ad Litem

Payment shall be made from Supreme Court funds.

Supreme Court-paid guardians ad litem shall be compensated at $80 per hour for out-of-court services, and $100 per hour for in-court services.

The total compensation paid to a guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to the provisions of this rule shall not exceed $3,000 ("Three Thousand") per appointment as of July 1, 2012. However, an appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia shall be considered a separate case with regards to compensation. The Court will not reimburse the cost of office expenses including but not limited to copying costs, postage, long distance telephone calls and/or fees charged for invoice preparation; provided, however, that the costs of obtaining and copying court records, medical records, school records, and child protective services records will be reimbursed. Mileage will be reimbursed at the standard rate per mile as approved by the Supreme Court. Expenses shall be paid in addition to the compensation provided for herein.

Requests for payment shall be made on forms provided by the Administrative Director of the Court and shall follow all West Virginia State and West Virginia Supreme Court billing regulations, policies and procedures. Requests for payment shall be reviewed and recommended by order of the appointing court prior to submission to the Administrative Director of the Court for payment. The Administrative Director of the Court - or the Administrative Director's designee - shall review and approve all submissions for payment of fees to guardian ad litem.

The Administrative Director of the Court shall have the authority to approve and pay compensation in excess of the amounts stated above in exceptional cases and for good cause shown. Requests for excess compensation shall be made by the appointing judge and sent to the Administrative Director of the Court for approval.

As circumstances may warrant, the court in its discretion may at any time during the proceedings tax the costs of the appointment of a guardian ad litem to the parties and require that any compensation previously paid from court funds be refunded to the Administrative Director of the Court.

W.Va. Trial. Ct. R. 21.06

Amended by orders effective 11/7/2007 and7/1/2012.