11.02.040 Powers of the Tribal Court

(a) Without limiting the authority of the Tribal Court, it may:

(1) require any party to provide additional information under oath as required by the Tribal Court, including without limitation, on matters pertinent to the jurisdiction and disposition of the case;

(2) upon its discretion appoint a lawyer for a litigant or interested party in a custody or divorce matter pending before the Court;

(3) appoint a lawyer for the child if the Court determines it is necessary;

(4) appoint a guardian ad litem to represent a child if, at any time in a divorce or custody proceeding, the Court determines that the best Interests of the child are inadequately represented and may order the parties to bear the cost of the guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem may file a written report and recommendation with the Tribal Court which:

(A) if admitted into evidence, may be reviewed by the Tribal Court in making determinations regarding custody and parenting time;

(B) may not be admitted into evidence unless all parties stipulate to the admission; and

(C) may be used by the parties for purposes of any settlement conference;

(5) at the request of a person who changed his or her name upon marriage, restore his or her birth name, or the surname he or she legally bore prior to his or her marriage to the spouse in the divorce action; or

(6) make a referral to the appropriate authorities to investigate any suspected child abuse or neglect.