What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

The Guardian Ad Litem is a lawyer for the children.  A Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed by the judge when the parents cannot agree on the child custody, placement, visitation, or other child related issues.  A GAL may be appointed if there are safety issues or there are allegations of abuse, or drug or alcohol abuse. The Guardian Ad Litem will perform fact finding, including activities such as having the parents fill out questionnaires; interviewing the children; talking to friends, teacher, family, and neighbors; and even observing the family.  The Guardian Ad Litem has quite a bit of power and the courts usually rule according to his or her recommendations. Usually the GAL must be paid for their services by the parents.