In any commitment proceeding, the fees of any attorney appointed by the probate judge to act as advocate for the petition and any attorney or guardian ad litem appointed by the probate judge for the person sought to be committed shall be set at the rates established by Section 15-12-21; and any expert employed to offer expert testimony, in such amounts as found to be reasonable by the probate judge; and all other costs allowable by law shall be paid by the state general fund upon order of the probate judge; except, that if the petition is denied and the petitioner is not indigent and is not a law enforcement officer or other public official acting within the line and scope of his duties, all costs may be taxed against the petitioner, or if the petition is granted and the person sought to be committed is not indigent, the probate judge may order all costs paid from the estate of the person committed. Fees for an attorney appointed to advocate for the petitioner may include reasonable fees related to consultation and preparation of the petition prior to appointment, subject to approval by the judge of probate.
Ala. Code § 22-52-14 (1975)