Arkansas § 9-20-109 - Commencement of proceedings.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-20-109 — Commencement of proceedings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-20-109. Commencement of proceedings.
Proceedings shall be commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the probate division of circuit court. Only the Department of Human Services may file a petition seeking ex parte emergency relief. No fees may be charged or collected by the clerk in cases brought by the department, including, but not limited to: Fees for filing; Summons; or Subpoenas. The court shall immediately appoint the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to represent the maltreated adult if: There is reasonable cause to believe the maltreated adult is indigent; or The maltreated adult's liberty interest is in jeopardy and the financial condition of the maltreated adult is undetermined.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 9-20-109
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-20-109 cover?
Section 9-20-109 ("Commencement of proceedings.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 9-20-109?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 9-20-109" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 9-20-109 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.