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