Section 29-4-17. Responsibility for paying expenses of any hearing

   The amounts actually necessary or requisite to defray the expenses of any hearing held under this article shall be paid:

   (1) From the estate of the ward if a guardianship is ordered;

   (2) By the petitioner if no guardianship is ordered; or

   (3) By the county in which the proposed ward is domiciled or by the county in which the hearing was held only if the person who actually presided over the hearing executes an affidavit or includes a statement in the order that the party against whom costs are cast pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of this Code section appears to lack sufficient assets to defray the expenses.

Code 1981, § 29-4-17, enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 805, § 11/SB 534.