What is a guardian ad litem?
Q: What is a guardian ad litem?
A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a lawyer or non-lawyer appointed by the court to conduct an investigation into matters that might not be brought before the court by the attorneys representing the parties to an action. A guardian ad litem in a private custody/visitation action in family court is appointed to promote the best interests of the child or children. The guardian ad litem is NOT the child's guardian. The parents are the child's guardian. The guardian ad litem has no responsibility for making decisions about the child's discipline, education, medical care, or performing any other parental duty. However, the guardian ad litem may provide consultation to the parents to assist them in promoting their own child's or children's best interests. When serving as the guardian ad litem in a case, the GAL may not serve as mediator in that case.
Back to the top.