Opinion ID: 1302007
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: GAL Fees

Text: DSS asserts that assessment of GAL fees against it was improper. We disagree. Exclusive jurisdiction of Family Court to hear and determine TPR cases is conferred by subsection (4) of S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-420 (1992). Specifically, subsection (37) of § 20-7-420 vests Family Court with authority: To appoint guardians ad litem and determine their compensation, fees, and costs and to assess as compensation, fees, and costs against the person represented by the guardian ad litem or against any other person or party involved in the action. (Emphasis supplied). The foregoing language clearly vests Family Court with jurisdiction to assess GAL fees against any party involved. Here, DSS is such a party. DSS's contention that assessment of GAL fees is limited to cases in which it was the losing party is without merit. We held to the contrary in Dunn v. Dunn, 298 S.C. 365, 380 S.E.2d 836 (1989). Accordingly, we find DSS liable for a reasonable GAL fee. Here, Family Court ordered that DSS pay $1,702.50. On the present record, however, there is no evidence that this amount is reasonable and, accordingly, we remand for a hearing de novo and development of a full record.