Does a GAL advocate for what the child wants or what is in the childs best interests?
A GAL advocates for a child’s best interests after performing an independent investigation. A GAL does, however, take into account a child’s stated preferences in making his or her recommendations to the judge. As a child’s age and maturity increases, stated preferences are given increasing weight. If the GAL’s position is different from a teenager’s on a substantive issue, the GAL will usually ask the judge to appoint a lawyer for the youth.
