Guardian Ad Litem
With Family Law Offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro and Springfield
A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an officer of the court appointed to assist the court in investigating the circumstances of the custody matter.
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
Our office handles hundreds of custody cases every year. My clients often ask, “What is a Guardian Ad Litem?”. They may hear about this from their friends, their family, or search the term on Google and find that a Guardian Ad Litem may be useful in a custody case. But they are still not quite sure what a Guardian Ad Litem is.
Guardian Ad Litem Definition
A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an officer of the court appointed to assist the court in investigating the circumstances of the custody matter. Their assignment is to research the case and ultimately report back to the judge. The GAL can be appointed at the request of either party and has the sole duty of representing the child(ren)’s best interest.
What does a Guardian Ad Litem Do?
The GAL is responsible for investigating the child’s background, his or her living conditions, relationships with the family, and any other circumstances that should be considered. As part of their investigation, the GAL can visit the child(ren)’s home, subpoena witnesses to appear in court, and communicate with family members and friends of the child(ren).
This person will eventually make a recommendation as to custody, visitation, and co-parenting issues. They will also tell the court if they are able to substantiate any other allegations that have been made. At the end of the day, they will make a recommendation that is very important to your case.
Working with a Guardian Ad Litem
The first thing I tell my clients is to be honest with the Guardian Ad Litem appointed in with your matter. You need to comply with any requests they have, whether it’s visiting your home or taking a drug screen. Secondly, always maintain good contact with them and your attorney’s office. Keep in mind, too, that the GAL is a business connection, not a friend. Always be respectful of their role in the case.
Georgia Custody Cases with a Guardian Ad Litem
At Hall & Navarro, we understand how critical your child custody issue is. If you are facing a custody issue and have questions, please contact us for help. We handle hundreds of custody cases every year, and our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience.
Schedule your confidential consultation with the experienced lawyers of Hall & Navarro today!
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