Guardian Ad Litem

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interest. Our firm offers GAL services in private custody matters. The GAL is the “voice” of the child; but they do not necessarily advocate for what the child “wants.” Instead, the GAL is required to advocate for the child’s best interest.  

GALs are parties to the case. Like the parents’ attorneys, they can file pleadings with the court, cross-examine witnesses at trial/hearings, and must be served all pleadings. GALs are appropriate in cases where there is ongoing high conflict litigation that includes significant medical, educational, and/or mental health issues affecting the children, especially when parents disagree on the nature of the child’s needs and best interests. 

What is the Difference between a Custody Evaluator (CE), a Best Interest Fact Finder (BIFF), and a GAL?

GALs are attorneys and are actual parties to a case. Custody Evaluators are mental health professionals. Best Interest Fact Finders do much the same thing that a CE does, but they are attorneys, not mental health providers, so they cannot diagnose a client. A CE or BIFF’s job is to investigate and evaluate the parties parenting in order to provide information to the court regarding the best interests of the children. 

A GAL usually remains on a case for longer periods of time because of the ongoing and complex nature of the issues. CEs and BIFFs usually take a snapshot of the family at a particular time and make recommendations and then are discharged.