Art. 1518. Pretrial orders; contribution to costs; appointment of counsel; Indian parent or custodian

            A. On its own motion or the motion of any party to the proceedings, the court may render such orders it deems necessary to protect the best interests of the child, including but not limited to the following:

            (1) A home study of the proposed placement.

            (2) A physical or mental examination of any party.

            (3) An appointment of counsel for the child.

            B. Upon request of an indigent parent, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent when the Department of Children and Family Services has recommended that the petition for voluntary transfer be filed.

            C. If the court finds that the parent or custodian of an Indian child is indigent, it shall appoint counsel for the parent or custodian.

            Acts 1991, No. 235, §15, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2010, No. 266, §1; Acts 2018, No. 296, §1.