(a) At the conclusion of the hearing, the court, after inquiring into financial ability, may make an order based upon their ability that any one or more of the following persons pay court costs and fees in whole or in part as in the opinion of the court is proper and in any installments and manner which is both reasonable and compatible with ability to pay:
(1) The person to whom the petition applies.
(2) The petitioner.
(3) Any person liable for the support and maintenance of the person to whom the petition applies.
(b) An order under subdivision (a) may be enforced in the same manner as a money judgment.
(c) For the purposes of this section, court costs and fees include the costs of any examination or investigation ordered by the court, expert witnesses’ fees, and the costs and fees of the court-appointed public defender or private counsel representing the person to whom the petition applies.
(d) Any fees and costs not ordered to be paid by persons under subdivision (a) are a charge against and paid out of the treasury of the county on order of the court.
(Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)