What is a Guardian ad Litem?
PDF pamphlet version Click here to get a printer-friendly .pdf pamphlet version. If you need help, click here. A Guardian ad litem (GAL) is a person the court appoints to represent the best interests of a child in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case. The GAL will investigate the family situation and advise the court about where a child should live and what type of contact parents should have with their children. What does “best interests of the child” mean? The Maine Legislature has directed GAL’s to use the “best interest of the child” standard when making recommendations to the court. The standard includes many different elements. For example, when making a recommendation about where a child should live, the GAL should consider the age of the child. A five year old may have different needs than a 15 year old. So the court expects the GAL to consider the child’s age . Other factors include: • the child’s current relationship with parents, • the stability of each par
A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the best interests of a child involved in a court proceeding. The Guardian ad Litem makes independent recommendations to the court by focusing on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for the best interests of the child they represent.
A Guardian ad Litem is a volunteer appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the best interests of a child involved in a court proceeding. The volunteer Guardian ad Litem makes independent recommendations to the court by focusing on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for the best interests of the child they represent. A Volunteer Guardian ad Litem is an individual who is appointed by the court to advocate for children who come into the court system primarily as a result of alleged abuse or neglect.
A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the court to stand in the shoes of a minor in a court proceeding in which the minor has some interest. The court can also appoint a guardian ad litem for an adult who isn’t able to make decisions alone. Often, the guardian ad litem is a parent, close relative, or attorney. Some states also authorize the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent a child’s interests in a divorce case that involves custody issues. If a guardian ad litem is not an attorney, the minor or disabled adult is frequently represented by an attorney as well.
