Law-Hill Legal LLC

In family cases, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan for their children.  Typically, the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL.

The GAL conducts an investigation which may include interviewing the parents, the children and other persons who may have information relevant to the issues involved.  In most cases the GAL prepares a written report which includes a recommended resolution of custody and visitation issues that, in the GAL's estimation, is in the best interest of the children. 

The judge or marital master makes the final determination after considering the GAL's recommendation along with all of the other evidence presented in the case.