A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court in a case involving children such as a divorce or child custody dispute. The GAL’s role is to investigate the circumstances of the dispute and determine what he or she believes to be the child’s best interests.. A judge’s decision to assign a GAL depends on numerous factors. Often, a GAL is appointed when the judge wants further information and professional insight in a case. Either party in a child custody case or divorce may request a GAL.
A GAL is often assigned in contested cases involving allocation of parenting time and responsibility. The GAL conducts their own investigation into what is going on with a child, interviewing parents, children, and possibly third parties.
A GAL’s Role in a Child-Related Case
It is important to note that while GAL stands for Guardian Ad Litem, the GAL will not be a guardian. Guardians have legal authority over minors or wards, but GALs do not.
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