An independent voice for the children in the case
A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed advocate focused on the children’s best interests when parents can’t find common ground. We serve as GAL with a rare thing on a firm website: an honest account of what the role can — and can’t — do for your family.
What a Guardian ad Litem actually does
A GAL investigates and reports to the court on what’s in the child’s best interest. That means interviews with both parents and the children, a review of records, and — where appropriate — a written report and recommendation. A GAL is not the child’s lawyer and does not simply repeat what the child wants; the job is the child’s interests, which are not always the same thing.
The investigation, step by step
- Interviews with each parent and the children
- Review of school, medical, and case records
- A hearsay-waiver process so the GAL can consider what others report
- A best-interest recommendation to the court
Expertise where it’s needed most
Our GAL work draws on real depth in high-conflict parenting and substance-abuse dynamics, plus a family-therapy background that helps a neutral read a family accurately rather than just reading the file. For the full walkthrough — including how appointment and reporting work — see the complete GAL guide.
Guardian ad Litem vs. Attorney ad Litem
People mix these up constantly, and most firm websites never explain the difference. A Guardian ad Litem investigates and reports to the court on what’s in the child’s best interest — they are not the child’s lawyer. An Attorney ad Litem actually represents the child and advocates for the child’s stated position, the way any lawyer represents a client. We serve in both roles, and we’ll tell you which one a given case needs.
Considering a Guardian ad Litem?
Tell us about the case and we’ll walk you through whether a GAL fits.