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Guardian Ad Litem

Guardian Ad Litem

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Guardian Ad Litem

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  1. A Guardian ad Litem/Investigator is an impartial professional (often an attorney) appointed by the court to investigate and report to the court on contested issues in domestic relations cases involving minor children, such as custody and visitation. 

  2. The GAL investigates the matter by interviewing the children and parents as well as third parties involved with the family, such as teachers and doctors. The GAL will also request that authorizations be signed in order to review relevant documents such as school and medical records. 

  3.  After gathering all relevant information, the GAL then prepares and files a written report of the facts found during the investigation which may or may not include recommendations for resolution of the matter, such as suggestions for counseling or visitation. While the judge is not required to adopt the recommendations of the GAL, the court generally places great weight upon the report.

  4. While an attorney is required to advocate for the expressed preferences of his or her client, the GAL/Next Friend advocates for what he or she believes to be in the best interest of the children. In order to do this, the GAL/Next Friend meets with the children and family, as well as professionals involved with the family and also reviews school and medical records.

  5. The role of this GAL is confined to deciding whether the need to access the privileged communications in the case outweighs the children’s right to keep communications with their therapist confidential. This GAL will meet with the children, speak briefly to the therapist and prepare a short report for the Court recommending either to exercise or waive the privilege.

  6. A GAL may also be appointed in non-domestic relations cases in the Probate and Family Court. The Court may appoint a GAL in a case involving guardianship or conservatorship of an incapacitated or protected adult, in order to investigate the conditions under which said person is living and to report and make recommendations to the Court.

  7. Additionally, in a probate matter (such as matters involving estates or trusts) the Court may appoint a GAL for a minor or an incapacitated or protected person if such person has an interest in the proceeding. In cases involving elders or disabled adults who have allegedly been abused, the Court may appoint a GAL for said person in a proceeding to determine if that person has the capacity to consent to the provision of protective services.

  8. The Guardian ad Litem will contact you or your attorney shortly after appointment to set up a time to meet. You may have your attorney present at the meeting, although many attorneys feel that the GAL meeting is more productive if they do not attend.

  9. If you are looking for a Guardian ad Litem for your case in Probate and Family Court, please contact Levine-Piro Law at 978­-637-­2048

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