{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-family-law-1-202","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Family Law § 1–202","heading":"","body":"(a) In an action in which custody, visitation rights, or the amount of support of a minor child is contested, the court may:\n(1) (i) appoint a lawyer who shall serve as a child advocate attorney to represent the minor child and who may not represent any party to the action; or\n(ii) appoint a lawyer who shall serve as a best interest attorney to represent the minor child and who may not represent any party to the action; and\n(2) impose counsel fees against one or more parties to the action.\n(b) A lawyer appointed under this section shall exercise ordinary care and diligence in the representation of a minor child.","path":["Article - Family Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl\u0026section=1-202","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:58:17Z","sha256":"f337425bc69ce76e2f51f5049ca1ee063305b6520fdd22fbb277a58947554f5e","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-family-law-1-201","next":"us-md/md.-code-family-law-1-203"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}