Florida Florida Statutes

§ 61.401 — Appointment of guardian ad litem

FS § 61.401Ch. 61

Statute text

In an action for dissolution of marriage or for the creation, approval, or modification of a parenting plan, if the court finds it is in the best interest of the child, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to act as next friend of the child, investigator or evaluator, not as attorney or advocate. The court in its discretion may also appoint legal counsel for a child to act as attorney or advocate; however, the guardian and the legal counsel shall not be the same person. In such actions which involve an allegation of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect as defined in s. (b) The effect that the court-ordered support would have on the dependent adult child's eligibility for such programs and benefits.

(4)The court may not order support that will cause ineligibility for programs in which the dependent adult child currently participates, or programs and services for which the dependent adult child is reasonably expected to become eligible upon reaching the age of majority.

Legislative history

s. 5, ch. 2023-213.