Guardian ad Litem ("G.A.L.")

A court-appointed individual who for the purpose of pending litigation,puts himself in the shoes of a legally incompetent person such as a minor child. He also investigates the matter and files a report with the court. G.A.L.s are usually lawyers or mental health professionals, depending on the court and circumstances. They investigate the matter, use their own judgment in determining the "best interest of the child," and report their findings and recommendations to the court. In contested custody and visitation matters, courts frequently appoint G.A.L.s for the children.
If a G.A.L. is appointed in your case, treat him respectfully -- return phone calls and be cooperative. Don’t alienate the G.A.L. despite any resentment you may harbor. It will only hurt your children. Courts sometimes appoint an attorney for the child(ren). Unlike the G.A.L. who uses her independent judgment, the appointed attorney promotes the stated wishes of the child. In other words, she takes orders from legal incompetents. See Attorney for the Child(ren).

A court-appointed individual who, for the purpose of pending litigation, puts himself or herself in the shoes of a legally incompetent person such as a minor child. He or she also investigates the m atter and files a report with the court