Termination of parental rights; require appointment of guardian ad litem in all cases of with limited exception.

SB 2686 would require courts to appoint a court-appointed advocate for the child in every termination of parental rights case, unless the court finds on the record that the appointment is unnecessary to protect the child's best interests. This bill directly affects children in these proceedings by guaranteeing they have an independent representative to voice their needs in court. The key provision mandates the appointment as the default requirement, with exceptions only in straightforward cases lacking disputed facts about the child's welfare. The bill clarifies and strengthens the existing legal standard without altering the current exception for simple cases.