So, your attorney tells you that a guardian ad litem has been appointed in your case. He or she oftentimes hands you a copy of the appointment order, and tells you to make your appointment with the GAL. What can you expect? A guardian ad litem can be appointed by a judge in all proceedings for child custody or for dissolution of marriage or legal separation where custody, visitation, or support of a child is a contested issue. The court must appoint a guardian ad litem in any proceeding in which child abuse or neglect is alleged.
In this excellent blog posting, Scott Trout explains the role of the guardian ad litem and offers tips to help you be prepared for your first meeting with your GAL and will assist you in focusing the GAL’s investigation on what you deem to be important.