The Courts have determined that a structured set of guidelines for the
appointment and compensation of attorneys involved in Cluster Court cases is needed. The importance of properly handling these
matters is clear from both counsel and judicial points of view.
In most instances, the parents and children involved with this part of the judicial system have no alternative course
of action available to them. The attorneys who agree to work within this system serve a great public service and should
be reasonably compensated for that service. Balancing that is the need for all involved to be good and faithful stewards
of the resources that have been entrusted to us. As stated in the attached Standing Order, no fixed schedule can adequately
anticipate the needs of clients, the actions involved in competent and zealous representation and the requirements for ethical
conduct.
Appointed attorneys fees make up the single largest
budget item for both district judges. As such, we, the district judges, have a duty to be faithful stewards of that
fund. Click below to access the Standing Order.