Guardian Ad Litem ("GAL")
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At Diener & Martin, LLC, we take this role seriously—conducting thorough investigations, meeting with the child and relevant parties, and making thoughtful, objective recommendations to the court. Whether appointed by the court or hired privately, our focus is always on protecting the well-being and rights of the child.
What is it?
What is it?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney or trained professional appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in legal matters, such as custody, visitation, or child protection cases. At Diener & Martin, LLC, we have experienced attorneys who serve as Guardian ad Litems, providing a voice for children in the courtroom and ensuring their needs are heard and addressed in family law proceedings.
What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
The Guardian ad Litem’s primary responsibility is to represent the child’s best interests during legal proceedings. This may include:
Conducting interviews with the child, parents, and other relevant parties
Reviewing documents, such as school records, medical history, and psychological evaluations
Investigating the family dynamic, including any issues related to safety, wellbeing, or parental fitness
Making recommendations to the court about custody arrangements, visitation, and other decisions impacting the child
Advocating for the child’s wishes when appropriate, considering their age and maturity level
A GAL is a neutral party who does not advocate for either parent but rather for the child’s overall best interests.
Why You Might Need a Guardian ad Litem
Why You Might Need a Guardian ad Litem
A Guardian ad Litem is often appointed by the court in cases where there are concerns about the child’s safety, wellbeing, or when custody disputes arise. A GAL may be appointed in the following situations:
Child custody and visitation disputes where the child’s well-being is in question
Allegations of abuse or neglect, where the court needs an independent evaluation
Child protection proceedings involving child welfare or social services
Divorce proceedings where there are concerns about the child’s relationship with either parent
In such cases, a GAL ensures the child’s best interests are protected and their voice is heard in the court’s decision-making process.
If you need a Guardian ad Litem or have questions about how this process works, contact us today. Our team is here to ensure your child’s best interests are protected and represented throughout your family law case.
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