                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

MINOR WITNESS; APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM (§ 8.01-396.2)

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.

D. Additionally, a circuit court may appoint a guardian ad litem in accordance
with this section when a minor witness is called to testify in any proceeding
before the circuit court involving a criminal sexual assault in violation of a
provision of Article 7 (&#xA7; 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4, commercial sex
trafficking or prostitution pursuant to Article 3 (&#xA7; 18.2-346 et seq.) of
Chapter 8, or family offenses pursuant to Article 4 (&#xA7; 18.2-362 et seq.) of
Chapter 8 of Title 18.2.

HISTORY: 2023, c. 378; 2025, c. 334.