Texas HB5551 amends the Family Code to establish a managed assigned counsel program for appointing attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the.

Texas HB5551 amends the Family Code to allow for the operation of a managed assigned counsel program using public funds to appoint attorneys ad litem for children and parents in suits filed by governmental entities. The bill specifies that attorneys appointed under this program are entitled to reasonable fees and expenses, paid by the parents unless they are indigent. It also mandates that courts in each county adopt a fee schedule for these attorneys by January 1, 2026, based on reasonable time spent on cases and overhead costs.

Texas HB5551 amends the Family Code to establish a managed assigned counsel program for appointing attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the.

Texas HB5551 amends the Family Code to allow for the operation of a managed assigned counsel program using public funds to appoint attorneys ad litem for children and parents in suits filed by governmental entities. The bill specifies that attorneys appointed under this program are entitled to reasonable fees and expenses, paid by the parents unless they are indigent. It also mandates that courts in each county adopt a fee schedule for these attorneys by January 1, 2026, based on reasonable time spent on cases and overhead costs.