GAL investigator’s fees paid by the Commonwealth are set by the Administrative Office of the Trial Court. If the court order lacks clarity about who will pay for GAL services, the GAL shall file a motion for clarification by the appointing judge with notice to counsel and any pro se party. If the order specifies that compensation will be paid by the Commonwealth, the GAL is prohibited from charging additional fees to the parties. The GAL files the report in a timely fashion whether or not compensation has been paid.
Commentary
At present, Category F Guardian ad litem investigators paid by the Commonwealth are compensated in accordance with Memo No. 14 (February 28, 1997, Fiscal Year 1997) issued by the Administrative Office of the Trial Court. The GAL also may file a motion with notice to counsel and any pro se party for an extension of hours beyond the number of hours set forth in the order of appointment for approval by the judge who appointed the GAL.