Payment of Court Costs and Expenses; Expert Witnesses

(a) In general. The Family Court shall establish standards of financial eligibility for parties in a neglect case to receive attorney, expert and other services at the Court's expense, and shall determine the eligibility of each party in every case. Persons found able to pay Court costs and expenses pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-2326 may be ordered to do so in designated monthly payments according to their financial condition. Payments shall be made by cash or money order to the Fiscal Officer of the District of Columbia Courts. The Fiscal Officer shall keep records of all payments made and submit a statement to the parties on request. (b) Expert witnesses and other services. Pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-2326.01(g), counsel for a person who is financially unable to obtain investigative, expert, or other services necessary for adequate representation may request compensation for such services in an ex parte application. A request shall state the type of service sought, its purpose, the qualifications of the named provider to render those services, and the estimated cost of the services. Upon a finding that the requested services are necessary but are not available through existing court resources, and that the person is financially unable to obtain them, the judicial officer may authorize counsel to obtain the services.