; and (2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit a court from assessing court-appointed attorney fees and costs against the plaintiff. . (c) Searches of Department of Defense Manpower Data Center database Subsection (b) of such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (5) Required search of Department of Defense database Before filing an affidavit under subsection (b)(1), the plaintiff shall conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, including a search of available Department of Defense Manpower Data Center records or records from a successor to such Center, and of any other information available to the plaintiff. The plaintiff shall obtain and provide to the court copies of any status reports obtained through such search. (6) Duties of court-appointed attorney (A) An attorney appointed to represent a defendant under subsection (b)(2) shall act only in the best interests of the defendant. (B) The court appointed attorney, when appropriate to represent the best interests of the defendant, shall request a stay of proceedings under this Act. (C) The plaintiff shall provide to the court appointed attorney all contact information the plaintiff has for the defendant. (D) The court appointed attorney shall conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to confirm the defendant’s military status, including a search of the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center or a successor to such Center. The attorney shall file any status reports obtained through such search with the court. (E) Upon making contact with the defendant, the court appointed attorney shall advise the defendant of the nature of the lawsuit and the defendant’s rights provided by this Act, including rights to obtain a stay and to request the court to adjust an obligation. The attorney shall communicate to the court whether or not the defendant requests a stay or requests a