Has someone recommended that you get a Guardian ad Litem in your case? Do you have no idea what this means? A guardian ad litem is an attorney who has the job of representing the best interests of the children.
In some cases, parents may request a guardian ad litem be appointed. In other cases, a commissioner or judge may order that a guardian ad litem be appointed.

There are both public and private guardians ad litem. A public guardian ad litem can be appointed in custody cases where there are allegations of abuse or neglect or in protective order hearings. A public guardian ad litem also represents children in foster case. A private guardian ad litem can be appointed in any case where there are issues regarding parent time or custody, especially in high- conflict divorces.

The guardian ad litem has the responsibility to make recommendations as to what the judge should do in the children’s best interests. In order to make these recommendations, the guardian ad litem will conduct an independent investigation, including, but not limited to, interviewing the children, interviewing other witnesses, reviewing documents, visiting homes, and talking to other professionals. The guardian ad litem will consider what the children want, as long as it is in the child’s best interests. The courts weigh the recommendations of the guardian ad litem very heavily.

A private guardian ad litem will bill the parents for the services provided. The judge or commissioner may allocate the fees to be split equally or may make any division of the fees as they find to be fair.

All of the attorneys in our office are also qualified guardians ad litem. We can help!