What is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in Florida?
When parents get divorced and/or otherwise go through a child custody dispute, sometimes the court will appoint what’s known as a Guardian Ad Litem to represent the child’s best interests (as a neutral third party). Guardians Ad Litem have typically completed mandatory training courses in order to become advocates, and effectively end up serving as trusted advisors for your child. In fact, in some instances, the parents themselves will request to have a Guardian Ad Litem put in place. GAL Qualifications in Florida The Guardian need not necessarily be an attorney, but if they aren’t, they must be certified by Florida’s Guardian Ad Litem program or by a legal aid program (unless the case involves allegations of child abuse, in which case the Guardian must either be an attorney or an individual certified by the state program). Under Florida state law, Guardians Ad Litem have considerable power, arguably assisting the court as the trier of fact in an effort to protect the best interests of the child. GAL Responsibilities Some of the core responsibilities of a Guardian Ad Litem include: Investigating any and all allegations of the pleadings that may affect the child; Interviewing the child and/or anyone else who might have info concerning the welfare of that child; (If necessary), petitioning the court to order a mental and/or physical examinations of the child, the child’s parents, and/or any other relevant parties, and even assisting the court in obtaining these impartial examinations; Petitioning the court for an order allowing them access to important documents, such as those related to any ordered examinations; Drafting written and/or oral recommendations for the court; Filing any pleadings necessary for the child’s protection and in their best interests; and Participating in any and all depositions, hearings, and other proceedings necessary to best represent the interests of the child. The Guardian Ad Litem ultimately must file a written report that typically includes their recommendations and the wishes of the child, and it typically chronicles the Guardian’s work on the case. This report is first turned into the program office at least one week prior to the hearing so that the program staff can ensure that it conforms to the law and program guidelines before it is distributed to any parties or filed with the court. After this, it is served on all parties at least 20 days prior to the relevant hearing. It is, however, important to keep in mind that a Guardian Ad Litem is typically discharged from a case once the court enters its final order. After this, they are not typically allowed to have contact with the child, nor can they supervise relevant child visitations. Divorce & Timesharing Attorneys Who Care If you are seeking assistance with any family law issue, including divorce and/or child custody and parenting time issues, our experienced family law attorneys can help you through the process. Contact HD Law Partners today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding areas. Resource: heraldtribune.com/opinion/20170423/abramowitz-help-guardians-ad-litem-help-children Tags: GAL, Guardian Ad Litem, Tampa Family Law Attorney, Tampa Family Law Attorneys Posted in Divorce, Family Law, Guardianship | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us