gaurdian ad litem

Question 1

what is a GAL

Answer 1

Functions as representative of the court appointed to assist court in making its determination of custody by advocating for best interest of child and providing objective view

Question 2

What are the qualiffations for an GAL (either lay or atty)

Answer 2

must be over 25 or highschool diploma or equivalent

Question 3

what additional qualfications does an atty GAL have to meet

Answer 3

must annually complete minimum of 6 hours of family law CLE in custody and visitation areas

Question 4

what additional qualifications does lay GAL have to meet (3)

Answer 4

completed minimum of 9 hours of continuing education in areas of custody and visitation and 3 hours of continuing education related to substantive law and procedure of FC
 Lay GAL must observe 3 contested custody merits hearings prior to serving
 Lay GAL must annually complete 6 hours of continuing education in custody and visitation areas

Question 5

what must a GAL do

Answer 5

1. conduct independnet and impartial invesigations to determine facts relevant to the child
2. advocate for chil’s best intrest via making reccomendations
3. attend all court hearings and provide info to court
4. maintain complete files with notes
5. present to court and parties written rportrs, including best intrest

Question 6

can a GAL serve as a mediator

Answer 6

no but they can particpate in mediation with consent of parties

Question 7

who sets compensation for GAL?how is it determined

Answer 7

the jduge; based on how hard the case was, the time spent, the expenses incurred, the fincial ability of each party

Question 8

what must the GAL disclose to each party (3)

Answer 8

1. any relationship the gal has w anyone in their immeidate famiky
2. any conflict of inrest

3.if the gal has involvment in orgs related to child abuse, DV or substance abuse

Question 9

when can a GAL be removed

Answer 9

up to discrtion of the court