Section 9-20-109 - Commencement of proceedings

(a) Proceedings shall be commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the probate division of circuit court.(b) Only the Department of Human Services may file a petition seeking ex parte emergency relief.(c) No fees may be charged or collected by the clerk in cases brought by the department, including, but not limited to: (1) Fees for filing;(2) Summons; or(3) Subpoenas.(d) The court shall immediately appoint the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to represent the maltreated adult if: (1) There is reasonable cause to believe the maltreated adult is indigent; or(2) The maltreated adult's liberty interest is in jeopardy and the financial condition of the maltreated adult is undetermined.Acts 2005, No. 1811, § 1; 2009, No. 526, § 4