What role does a guardian ad litem (GAL) play in family cases?
In family cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed when parents cannot agree to a custody and visitation arrangement for children. Typically the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL unless the parties are indigent. The GAL conducts an investigation which may include interviewing the parents, the children and other persons who may have information relevant to the issues involved. In most cases the GAL prepares a written report which includes a recommended resolution of custody and visitation issues that, in the GAL’s estimation, is in the best interest of the children. The judge or marital master makes the final determination after considering the guardian ad litem’s recommendation along with all of the other evidence presented in the case.
In family cases, a guardian ad litem may be appointed when parents cannot agree to a parenting arrangement for children. Typically the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL unless the parties are indigent. The GAL conducts an investigation which may include interviewing the parents, the children and other persons who may have information relevant to the issues involved. In most cases the GAL prepares a written report which includes a recommended resolution of parenting issues that, in the GAL’s estimation, is in the best interest of the children. The judge or marital master makes the final determination after considering the guardian ad litem’s recommendation along with all of the other evidence presented in the case.
