Section 29-5-17. 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 conservatorship is ordered;

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

   (3) By the county in which the proposed ward is domiciled or by the county in which the hearing is held if the proposed ward is not a domiciliary of the state. The amounts shall be paid by the appropriate county upon the warrant of the court of the county where the hearing was held. Payment by the county shall be required, however, only if the person who actually presides 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, § 29-5-17, enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 805, § 14/SB 534.