Opinion ID: 1968177
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Payment of Expert Witness Fee

Text: Appellant argues that the trial court erred in denying him the right to pay from his estate funds fees for his expert witness, Dr. Ballard. The trial court stated that it would deny compensation to Dr. Ballard because it was his mother who had retained his services, and therefore, she should be responsible for the bill. Counsel for a subject in a protective proceeding has the responsibility of [s]ecuring and presenting evidence and testimony and offering arguments to protect the rights of the subject of the . . . protective proceeding and further that individual's interest. D.C.Code § 21-2033(b)(3). Further, under the Guardianship Act, upon court approval, any . . . attorney, examiner, [or] conservator . . . is entitled to compensation for services rendered . . . in an protective proceeding, or in connection with a . . . protective arrangement. . . . Compensation shall be paid from the estate of the ward or person. . . . D.C.Code § 21-2060(a). Court appointed counsel called Dr. Ballard as a witness in support of the case she presented on appellant's behalf. It was appointed counsel's responsibility to represent appellant zealously, and she apparently thought it necessary to call Dr. Ballard in his behalf. It is not clear that the court considered any request for compensation in that light. On remand, the trial court should do so. [14] For the foregoing reasons, the case is remanded to the trial court for consideration of the request to pay Dr. Ballard's bill, consistent with this opinion. In all other respects, the decision of the trial court is affirmed. So ordered.