, during the pendency of the action, any of the parties die, or become insane, or otherwise incompetent, the proceedings shall not for that cause be delayed or suspended, but the attorney who has appeared for such party may continue to represent such interest; and in case any such party has not appeared by an attorney, the court must appoint an attorney to represent the interest which was held by such party until his heirs or legal representatives or successors in interest shall have appeared in the action; and an attorney so appointed must be allowed by the court a reasonable compensation for his services, which may be taxed as costs against the share or interest represented by such attorney, and may be adjudged a lien thereon in the discretion of the court.

SOURCE: CCP § 763a.