Guardian Ad Litem is a court appointed “volunteer” that is ordered to represent “the best interest of the child”. They are not lawyers and are not really representing the child, and are not there to present what the child wants to happen, nor giving the child a voice. The role is to evaluate and interview people whom come in contact with the child. Then after fully investigating the child’s situation the file a report with the court with recommendations for what is best for the child..
Traditional the was an independent evaluation normally used for children in special circumstances especially when parental rights were going to be terminated. Or in cases involving children being referred into the courts by Child Protective Services. But now it is much more common in general custody hearings and can weigh heavily on a judges decision. It just depends on which person you get, how well they write the report and what they observe.
These volunteer’s are the eyes and ears of the court. Normally everyone is on their best behavior for the hour or various times they go before a judge. It’s up to the GAL to be the observer during the regular hours.
Remember they are court appointed & monitored, you cannot hire your own. That defeats the purpose of being impartial.
To learn more check out the program being administered in Indiana. You state may be different.
