“I Feel Stupid, But… What Is a GAL?”

“I Feel Stupid, But… What Is a GAL?”

What Is a GAL Supposed to Be?

GAL = Guardian ad Litem

(Latin for “guardian for the lawsuit.”)

In family court, this means:

An attorney appointed to represent the “best interests” of your child.

Not a therapist.

Not a neutral advocate.

A court-appointed mouthpiece.

What Are They Supposed to Do?

✅ Interview the child

✅ Speak to both parents

✅ Observe the child in both homes

✅ Review school, medical, and mental health records

✅ Speak with teachers, doctors, and counselors

✅ Assess family dynamics and potential risk factors

✅ Submit a full, balanced report to the court

✅ Recommend resources, support, or interventions

✅ Encourage coparenting when safe and possible

✅ Protect the child from manipulation, coercion, or erasure

✅ Make sure the order of the court is being followed

What They Are Not Supposed to Do:

🚫 Favor one parent

🚫 Dismiss documentation without review

🚫 Ignore the court appointed therapists

🚫 Claim “I haven’t seen enough” while still recommending custody

🚫 Assume one parent’s perspective = the child’s voice

🚫 Make decisions based on alliances instead of evidence

🚫 Ignore or expand on court orders

Do parents recommend you should use one?

I’ll let the comments speak.