Dear Listserv members:

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It’s my understanding that there’s currently a parent in central Virginia area (16^th circuit) with a TPR appeal that has been stayed (circuit court holding up its order) for lack of counsel to take to VCOA—the court cannot find anyone to accept appointment. So far I’ve heard from one attorney that they were compensated <$400 for brief and argument, and compensated after the case was complete for the transcript. This leads me to two questions:

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1. Is anyone willing to take on this appeal? If so I may be able to find a law student to assist with the research and drafting.
2. For those of you who have appealed TPR to VCOA, what have you been compensated? Did the VCOA reimburse for all costs (transcripts, brief printing)? (My one appeal to VCOA I did pro bono and didn’t submit for compensation).

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If indeed VCOA is paying less than $400 for brief and argument on a TPR, I want to be able to add this to any legislation (yes, trying again this year!) to increase the compensation rates for parent representation (currently $120/$158 per petition in JDR/circuit).

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I will keep this group apprised of these efforts—if you are interested in getting involved, let me know. I’ll send out more calls for contacting legislators as we get closer to the 2024 session.

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Thanks!

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