What to Expect

As a Guardian ad Litem, I am appointed by the court to represent the best interests of children during family matters cases. Here’s what you can expect from the GAL process:

Appointment Order

The process begins with the Appointment Order from the court, which outlines the scope of the investigation. This document serves as a roadmap for my work with your family, clarifying the depth of my involvement, including whether a basic or comprehensive investigation is required.

Initial Consultation

I typically start by meeting with parents or legal guardians to discuss the case and explain my role. During this time, I provide an overview of the GAL process and answer any questions to help you feel more comfortable with the steps ahead.

Interview Process

I conduct interviews with the child/ren and each parent. Depending on the Appointment Order, I may also interview other significant people in the child’s life, such as live-in partners, teachers, counselors, caregivers, and family friends.

Home Visits & Observations

Observing each child in their home environment is essential to my assessment. These visits allow me to see firsthand the child’s surroundings, interactions, and general well-being in each parent’s care.

Document Review

I review relevant court filings and may request additional documents, such as school records, medical records, or reports from child services. These records provide critical insight into the child’s needs and overall welfare.

Report Preparation

After gathering all relevant information, I compile a comprehensive report with my observations, findings, and recommendations. This report is submitted to the court and serves as an impartial assessment designed to aid the judge in making informed decisions.

Mediation & Court Appearances

If the case proceeds to mediation or a contested hearing, I may be asked to present my findings and testify to ensure that the child’s best interests are clearly represented and thoughtfully considered.

My role as a Guardian ad Litem is to provide a caring, thorough, and unbiased assessment to ensure the best interests of your child is first and foremost throughout this legal process.