(a) Private attorneys who have contracted with the Office to provide guardian ad litem services will be compensated at a reasonable rate, on an hourly basis, a per case basis, set monthly pay or by a time limited contract, determined by the Office, in its sole discretion, for the time expended on a child's case. This rate includes the counties' twenty five percent (25%) or more match. - (i) A negotiated contract between the GAL attorney and the Office may result in different compensation rates depending on various factors including, but not limited to, location, economy, caseload, work quality and performance, NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist Certification, and experience. The rate of compensation set by the Office is entirely in its discretion.
- (ii) This contract covers all expenses related to the case and the GAL's overhead in relation to the case, unless otherwise set out.
- (iii) As required by Wyoming Statutes § § 14-12-101 through 14-12-104, no state money appropriated under this section shall be expended in any county unless the county agrees to match, at a minimum, twenty-five percent (25%) of the state money for the compensation of legal representation of children.
- (iv) Any county may independently agree with a Program's GAL to pay a rate in excess of the rate set by the Office, provided however that the county enters into a separate contract with that GAL for the excess amount and is responsible and obligated to pay that excess amount. If that situation arises, both the GAL and the county agree and understand that the Program will not compensate/reimburse for that excess amount.
- (v) If subparagraph (iv), above, does occur, the county will enter into a separate agreement with the Office setting out the agreement, the excess rate and the responsibilities and obligations of all parties.
(b) Attorneys employed by the Office to provide guardian ad litem services will be compensated by salary.