1. (a) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, if:

   1. (1) Requested by the minor and the minor is 12 years of age or older;
   2. (2) recommended by a guardian ad litem; or
   3. (3) the court determines the minor needs representation.

2. (b) An attorney appointed under subsection (a) shall:

   1. (1) Make a reasonable effort to ascertain the minor's wishes;
   2. (2) advocate for the minor's wishes to the extent reasonably ascertainable; and
   3. (3) if the minor's wishes are not reasonably ascertainable, advocate for the minor's best interest.
3. (c) A minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, may retain an attorney to represent the minor in the proceeding.
4. (d) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent a parent of a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under K.S.A. 59-30,129, and amendments thereto, if the court determines the parent needs representation.

L. 2025, ch. 40, § 54; January 1, 2026.