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1995 SESSION


CHAPTER 273
An Act to amend and reenact § 16.1-266.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to appointment of guardians ad litem.
[S 988]
Approved March 16, 1995

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 16.1-266.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 16.1-266.1. List of qualified attorneys.

A. On or before January 1, 1995, the Judicial Council of Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Bar Association, shall adopt standards for attorneys appointed as guardians ad litem pursuant to § 16.1-266. The standards shall, in so far as practicable, take into consideration the following criteria: (i) license or permission to practice law in Virginia, (ii) current training in the roles, responsibilities and duties of guardian ad litem representation, (iii) familiarity with the court system and general background in juvenile law, and (iv) demonstrated proficiency in this area of the law.

B. The Judicial Council shall maintain a list of attorneys admitted to practice law in Virginia who are qualified to serve as guardians ad litem based upon the standards and shall make the names available to the courts. If no attorney who is on the list is reasonably available, a judge after considering the criteria listed in subsection A in his discretion, may appoint any discreet and competent attorney who is admitted to practice law in Virginia.