Guardians of the (Family Law) Galaxy: Everything You Need to Know About Guardians Ad Litem
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed in a family law case in Florida when the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child. The need for a GAL may arise in various family law cases, including:
1. Divorce: In a divorce case, a GAL may be appointed to represent the best interests of any children involved in the case.
2. Child custody disputes: When there is a dispute between parents regarding child custody, a GAL may be appointed to investigate the case and make recommendations to the court.
3. Visitation disputes: In cases where there are disagreements between parents regarding visitation, a GAL may be appointed to represent the child's best interests and provide recommendations to the court.
4. Paternity cases: In cases where paternity is in dispute, a GAL may be appointed to represent the child's best interests.
5. Domestic violence cases: In cases involving domestic violence, a GAL may be appointed to investigate the case and make recommendations to the court regarding the child's welfare.
The court may also appoint a GAL in cases where the child is the subject of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
The primary role of the GAL in family law cases is to investigate the case and make recommendations to the court regarding the child's welfare. The GAL's primary focus is always on the child's best interests.
Some of the specific tasks that a family law GAL may perform include:
1. Conducting interviews: The GAL may interview the child, their parents, caregivers, and any other relevant parties to the case.
2. Gathering information: The GAL may gather information about the child's living situation, educational needs, medical needs, and any other relevant factors that may impact the child's welfare.
3. Making recommendations: Based on their investigation, the GAL may make recommendations to the court regarding the child's custody, visitation, and other matters related to the child's welfare.
4. Attending court hearings: The GAL is required to attend court hearings and provide testimony regarding their findings and recommendations.
5. Monitoring compliance: After the court has issued an order, the GAL may monitor compliance with the order to ensure that it is being followed and that the child's welfare is being protected.
Overall, the family law GAL plays a critical role in ensuring that the child's best interests are protected in family law cases in Florida. Their role is to provide a voice for the child and advocate for their welfare throughout the legal process.
At Prescott Legal, we pride ourselves in having an extensive network of Guardians and mental health professionals that we work with regularly on many of our cases. We know the importance of using the right Guardian for each case and do our best to ensure a smooth working relationship during cases where Guardians are appointed. We use Guardians on many of our cases and are always poised to evaluate whether a client needs to have one appointed for their high-conflict case. If you have a high-conflict case where a Guardian has been appointed or you would like to have one appointed on your case, call our office today to schedule a consultation.