VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

• Code of Virginia
• Virginia Administrative Code
• Constitution of Virginia
• Charters
• Authorities
• Compacts
• Uncodified Acts
• RIS Users (account required)

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

• Bills & Resolutions
  session legislation
• Bill Summaries
  session summaries
• Reports to the General Assembly
  House and Senate documents
• Legislative Liaisons
  State agency contacts

ACROSS SESSIONS

• Subject Index: Since 1995
• Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
• Summaries: Since 1994

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2023 SESSION

• history | hilite | pdf | print version

VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 8.01-396.2, relating to appointment of guardian ad litem for minor witness. [S 1033] Approved

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 8.01-396.2 as follows:

§ 8.01-396.2. Minor witness; appointment of guardian ad litem.

A. In any proceeding before a general district court, the court may, if it determines the circumstances so require, appoint a discreet and competent attorney-at-law as guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a minor who is called to testify. It shall be the duty of the court to ensure that the interests of such minor witness are represented and protected.

B. When the guardian ad litem, to the satisfaction of the court, has rendered substantial service in accordance with this section, the court may allow such guardian ad litem reasonable compensation to be paid from the funds appropriated to pay for the compensation of court-appointed counsel according to the rates and procedures set by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

C. If the matter in which a minor witness is called to testify is appealed to a circuit court, such circuit court may continue the appointment of the guardian ad litem or may appoint another discreet and competent attorney-at-law as guardian ad litem.