SB2686

Mississippi SB2686 mandates a guardian ad litem in all parental rights termination cases unless waived by the court.

Mississippi SB2686 amends the Mississippi Code to require the appointment of a guardian ad litem in all termination of parental rights proceedings. This guardian must protect the child's best interests unless the court finds, on the record, that such appointment is unnecessary due to the nature of the proceedings, the issues presented, and the absence of contested factual matters affecting the child's welfare. The bill also mandates that hearings on such petitions be held within ninety calendar days of filing, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.