What is a GAL?
A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is a neutral third party appointed by the Court to assist with determining the best interests of a person. GALs are often appointed in cases involving children, such as child custody, divorce, or adoption. GALs act as factfinders for the Court through investigation then make recommendations based on what is best for the child they are representing.
The GAL provides an in depth investigation of a case through the following ways :
Investigating family situation(s)
Speaking with the child and parents regularly
Visiting the child's home
Observe child and parent(s) interaction
Communicate with family and friends of the child and parent(s)
Gather medical and school records of the child
Communicate with counselors, school professionals, and teachers
Communicate with therapists of the child and parent(s)
Monitoring the child and parent(s) situation in the duration of a case
The responsibilities of a GAL could include:
Advise the court on where the child should live
Make recommendations on whether a parent's substance abuse or mental health is harmful to the child
Make recommendations on what type and how much contact the child should have with a parent
Make recommendations on custody, visitation, and co-parenting issues
Testify in court to support the GAL’s recommendations
Inform the court of changes in the child's situation
Ensure that the court knows the child's wishes
Keep all records and case information confidential
Guardian Ad Litem Services
is here to serve you.
If the best interests of a child are unclear based on initial evidence, Guardian Ad Litem Services can be assigned to the case. We will look at a case objectively while performing a thorough investigation in order to assist with determining what’s in the best interest of the child.
Personal & Intentional Services
Guardian Ad Litem Services will provide personal and intentional services to the attorney and for the child.
Monthly Update
Once Guardian Ad Litem Services is assigned to a case, we will begin making the necessary contacts to gather as much information possible about the child and parent as well as collecting records and/or documents. You will be provided with a monthly written report of updated information pertaining to the child, parent and persons involved.
Monthly Contact Report
Guardian Ad Litem Services will provide the attorney a monthly log of all dates and contacts pertaining to the case. Included will also be dates and locations from which records and/or documents were collected.
Monthly Meeting
Guardian Ad Litem Services is available to schedule a monthly meeting with the attorney or paralegal to further discuss the case with any concerns or recommendations, explore persons involved and any other areas of the case.