KRS 387.560: Appointment of counsel for respondent -- Compensation -- Duty of county

attorney.

(1) Unless an appearance has been entered on behalf of the respondent, the court shall

appoint counsel for the respondent within one (1) week of the filing of a petition for

determination of disability under KRS 387.500 to 387.770.

(2) Appointed counsel shall be entitled to compensation for services. If counsel is

appointed for a poor person as defined in KRS 453.190, the court shall prescribe

reasonable compensation to be paid by the county in which the proceeding is held in

accordance with the complexity of the issues, the time involved, and other relevant

considerations, except that appointed counsel shall not be compensated at a rate

higher than sixty dollars ($60) an hour for time spent in court and no higher than

forty dollars ($40) an hour for time spent out of court. If the petition is found to be

frivolous or not brought in good faith, counsel fees shall be charged to the

petitioner.

(3) In all proceedings under KRS 387.500 to 387.770, it shall be the duty of the county

attorney to assist the petitioner, to represent the interest of the Commonwealth, and

to assist the court in its inquiry by the presentation of evidence.