Guardian ad litem

At Gondring Law, we have experience serving as the Guardian at litem (GAL) for children in high-conflict custody cases.  The court may choose to appoint a GAL in a high conflict custody case upon one party filing the appropriate motion or by agreement of the parties.  Once appointed, the GAL’s role is to advocate for the best interests of the child.  As such, the GAL must sometimes take actions and make recommendations that directly contradict the child’s expressed wishes. 

In order to make a best-interests determination, the GAL must thoroughly investigate the case by speaking with the child, each parent, other individuals who are important in the child’s life, reviewing relevant documents such as medical and therapeutic records, amongst other things.  After the GAL gathers the necessary information, the GAL typically drafts a report for the Court that includes findings of the investigation and making a recommendation to the court.