Guardian Ad Litem

Purpose:To become acquainted with court appointed advocates for children (minors) and vulnerable adults (mentally disabled, elderly, etc.)

Outcome:You will demonstrate a working knowledge of basic family law procedures.

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

A Guardian Ad Litem is a court appointed official (usually an attorney) who represents an individual that cannot legally defend or represent himself/herself in a legal action.This could be a lawsuit, family law issue, settlement negotiation and, in some cases, inheritance issues.

Children under 18 years of age, adults with dementia, mentally challenged individuals, etc. are all considered vulnerable by the court.So, during a nasty custody battle a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is appointed to represent the child.If there is more than one minor child in a family law issue then each child is appointed their own GAL to represent them.The GAL will make home visits, talk to the child, family friends, etc. and be a part of any settlement negotiation.The Judge will always ask the GAL for a report.The GAL's main goal is to represent the child and settle issues in the child's best interest.The parents have little or no say in the matter.In family law matters, it was usually their bickering and inability to resolve issues involving their children that required the appointment of the GAL in the first place.

GAL's also investigate issues of child abuse, when one parent is accusing the other, to see if there is any validity to the claims.Sometimes parents just accuse the other of horrendous acts just so they get custody and child support.The children are the silent victims in these cases and the GAL's are there for the children.

GAL's are not only appointed in family law issues.Years ago, my children were a part of a personal injury lawsuit and each of them had a GAL appointed to them to be a part of the monetary settlement negotiations.They also had a say in where and how the settlement would be placed and when it could be given to them (at age 18 or later).Parents do not have any legal right to a child's settlement money and the laws were changed to enforce that issue years ago.

Assignment:

I want you to research how to find a Guardian Ad Litem in King County and in a two to three paragraph paper tell me how you find one, what are the requirements and when would one be necessary.