In our most recent blog, we took a look at important considerations you would have to make when looking at asset division, as well as instances that might include it as part of the process. Depending on the situation, the roles of specific players may change slightly, so it is important to have an attorney on your side who whose knowledge of caselaw is extensive. This is the case with some child custody matters, in which an acting guardian ad Litem may be present. In today’s blog, your Greenwich, CT attorneys discuss important responsibilities of a guardian ad Litem and what they can and cannot cover.
Understanding the Scope of the Role
As you might imagine, child and family cases can vary significantly, depending on the individuals involved and the parameters of the situation. Sometimes matters are settled in a concise manner, and other times, opposing parties cannot put aside their hostility long enough to represent the best interests and needs of a child.
In cases such as the latter example, the judge may choose to appoint your child a guardian ad Litem. A guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an independent investigator that is appointed by the court to make recommendations for the best interests of a child. In other words, it is another witness, which means they can also be contested.
Your child’s GAL acts as an investigator for the court. This person investigates all aspects of the case and writes a report about the findings. Your GAL will also provide a recommendation as to the best course of action for the child’s situation. Contact our team to learn more today.
How One Becomes a GAL
To put it simply, a Guardian ad Litem is an attorney that has completed hours of intense, specialized training and has submitted the detailed application. Because they are attorneys, they are bound by attorney standards and state requirements.
In order to become a GAL in the state of Connecticut, an attorney needs to have successfully completed the Family Matters Comprehensive GAL/AMC training program, submit the appropriate application, and complete the necessary training hours. To learn more about this process, give our team a call today.
What a Guardian Ad Litem Cannot Do
In addition to responsibilities of a GAL, your child’s GAL has limitations to their representation. For instance, he or she cannot violate the attorney code of ethics, offer hearsay evidence, serve as a sworn witness, violate the rules of evidence, or come in as a representative without being appropriately appointed by the court first.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Contact The Law Offices of Charles & Concilio, LLC in Greenwich, CT by calling 203-234-1000 to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a Guardian ad Litem and schedule your initial consultation with our team today.
