Experienced, Compassionate and Effective Advocacy

How do I work with a Guardian Ad Litem in my child custody case?

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2023 | Child Custody

In some legal matters involving a child, the judge assigns a Guardian ad litem to represent the interests of that child. As a parent, it can be challenging to have someone appointed to advise the judge regarding your child’s best interests. However, learning how to work with the GAL instead of against them can benefit your child and the custody issues before the court.

What does a GAL do?

The GAL will provide recommendations to the court about what is in a child’s best interest. In some cases, this does not represent what the child wants and can be against your desires, too. To make recommendations on a case, the GAL will conduct investigations, and interviews, write reports and participate in all court proceedings related to the case.

Tips for working with a Guardian ad litem

The GAL assigned to your case is not your enemy. Their goal is to find what is in a child’s best interest. If your goal is to bring your child home or to have a custody case decided in your favor, working with the GAL is recommended. Cooperate in any interviews and investigations they conduct to show why the court should rule in your favor.

It is worth noting that a GAL must request and receive permission from your attorney before speaking to you. Be sure to tell your attorney to grant this permission, which can help your case move along and prevent delays.

Understanding your legal rights in a child custody case

Any legal issues involving your children can be challenging and emotional. If you want to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, cooperate with the guardian ad litem. You can also learn more about your rights and options to ensure they are protected.

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