N.J. Stat. § 30:4-165.14: Public Defender as counsel

9. The court shall appoint the Public Defender to serve as counsel for persons who do not have an attorney and over whom guardianship is sought pursuant to P.L.1985, c.133 (C.30:4-165.4 et al.) if the petition seeks only guardianship of the person, to the extent that funds are available for this purpose. If the Public Defender is unable to perform this service, the court shall appoint an attorney licensed by the State of New Jersey and in good standing. No attorney's fee is payable for the rendering of this service by the private attorney.

L.1985,c.133,s.9; amended 1990,c.50,s.3; 1994,c.58,s.36.