Guardian ad Litem
Guardian ad Litems are appointed who for protecting the well-being and interests of children. Such court-appointed guardians figure in divorces, child neglect and abuse cases, paternity suits, contested inheritances, and so forth, and are usually attorneys.
Guardians ad litem have extensive power and responsibility. Their duties are greatest in cases involving children, where they investigate, attend to the child’s emotional and legal needs, monitor the child’s family, and seek to shield the child from the often bruising experience of a lawsuit. Their function as officers of the court is also extensive: in addition to compiling relevant facts, interviewing witnesses, giving testimony, and making recommendations to the court on issues of custody and visitation, they ensure that all parties comply with court orders.
By law, the GAL must do certain things. The GAL must meet with the child/children. The GAL must also make a written report of his or her investigation and recommendations.
The court may specifically order the GAL to do other things. Those duties may be listed in the court order that appointed the GAL in your case. Read that document to understand the duties of the GAL in your case. Generally speaking, however, a GAL will meet with and interview parents and children in the family. The GAL will also interview (by phone or in person) teachers, doctors and other people who have knowledge of the child or family.
The GAL also can review mental health and medical records of the child and parents, request children or parents obtain medical and mental evaluations, or recommend counseling for any member of the family.
Our attorneys regularly serve as Guardian ad Litems. That experience as a Guardian ad Litem allows us to make sure your child’s best interests are being met in any family law dispute. Contact our office today for a FREE CONSULTATION.