Telephone & Video Conferences Available.770-993-1005
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

770-993-1005

11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
Charlton & Glover P.C.

Charlton & Glover P.C.

Atlanta Family Law & Divorce Attorney

  • Our Firm
    • Martin Grayson Charlton, Esq.
    • Patricia S. Glover, Esq.
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
    • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
    • Chapter 13
  • Wills & Probate
  • Criminal Defense
  • Mediation
  • Contact
  • Blog

An Alpharetta Divorce Attorney Discusses What is a Guardian ad Litem

You are here: Home / Divorce / An Alpharetta Divorce Attorney Discusses What is a Guardian ad Litem

June 15, 2021 by Martin Charlton

A Guardian ad litem (GAL) is a person a court of law appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the best interests of a child. This article by an Alpharetta divorce attorney discusses the Guardian ad Litem in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case.

In a divorce or parental rights case, the Guardian ad Litem will look into the family situation and advise the court about issues such as:

  • Where the children should live most of the time
  • What contact the child should have with the other parent
  • Whether the child is being harmed by one parent’s alleged substance abuse

In a court of law, Guardian ad Litem literally means, “guardian for the suit.” In the state of Georgia, a Guardian ad Litem is an attorney or non-attorney appointed by a judge that will assist the court in determining the circumstances of the situation. The court system empowers a guardian to investigate all relevant matters, such as living conditions and family relationships. Hence, the investigation allows the guardian to make a recommendation to the court as to what would be in the best interests of the child. Furthermore, these decisions would concern placement, visitation, and other matters ruled upon by the court.

Do I Really Need a Guardian ad Litem?

If you and your spouse have already come to an agreement regarding custody and visitation, a Guardian ad Litem would not be recommended. Similarly, a Guardian ad Litem is not recommended for spouses with only minor disagreements regarding custody and visitation.

What to expect from the Guardian ad Litem?

Unfortunately, the parties in a divorce are often battling for custody and can be wrapped up in his or her case along with their respective grounds for claiming custody. Consequently, having a Guardian ad Litem will help ensure that a non-biased party provides assessments that will lead to what is best for the children.

And, you can expect the Guardian ad Litem to conduct a thorough investigation into the life of the children.

Such investigation could include:

  • Home visits
  • Interviews with the children
  • Parental interviews without an attorney
  • Consultation with the parent’s attorney
  • Interviews of character witnesses, care providers, teachers, etc.
  • A review of medical and school records

Unfortunately, the Guardian ad Litem process can be difficult and tiring. The courts appoint broad powers to them in gaining access to relevant information to the children. And, this can sometimes feel intrusive.

However, it is in the best interest of all parties that parents work with the Guardian ad Litem to provide honest and accurate information. Records and access to needed materials will help them make an appropriate and responsible recommendation.

Based upon their findings, the guardian will usually make a report to the court recommending a specific outcome. The GAL can also present the report to the parties before a trial. A properly presented report can lead to settlement of the issues without the necessity and expense of a trial.

Note that the parties do not have to accept the guardian’s report. And, if this is the case, they can present their own witnesses and evidence in court.

The judge will make the final determination on the children’s arrangements.

How much does a Guardian ad Litem cost?

A guardian does charge for their services. Most guardians have a standard hourly rate for work performed as a Guardian ad Litem. They typically require a retainer fee up front. The GAL should clearly define the fees, and both parties should discuss them.

Who pays for the Guardian ad Litem?

Once both parties understand the fees for the GAL, the parties should agree who will pay for the Guardian ad Litem. One party may choose to do so in full, or the parties will decide how the fees will be split. If the parties cannot agree, the judge will decide how much each parent will pay the Guardian ad Litem. The responsible party should pay the Guardian ad Litem at their appointment or at the conclusion of the case.

An Alpharetta Divorce Attorney  is Here to Help

Most importantly, you need a knowledgeable attorney who understands the nuances of custody matters in the state of Georgia. So, if you live in the Roswell or Alpharetta area, the experienced divorce and child custody attorneys at Charlton & Glover are ready to help you. Call us at (770) 993-1005 to schedule an initial consultation or fill out our form to speak to one of our Alpharetta divorce attorney.

Category iconDivorce Tag iconalpharetta divorce attorney

Primary Sidebar

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Testimonials

"Great Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Martin Charlton & Patricia Glover have done an excellent job representing my friends and family, in bankruptcy, criminal defense, personal injury and divorce" ...

Mike S.

Read More

"Charlton & Glover have handled bankruptcy, DUI, divorce, personal injury, and criminal defense cases for me and have done an excellent job" ...

Mike

Read More

"I had just had probably the worst year financially speaking. I was paying several mortgages, had lost my business and had a massive amount of unexpected health related expenses and credit card bills. I could only see one" ...

Frank E.

Read More

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Footer

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation!

770-993-1005

11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30022


  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Our Legal Services

  • Criminal Defense
  • Bankruptcy
  • Wills & Probate
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration

About Us

Charlton & Glover, located in Alpharetta, GA, was founded in 1994 by Martin G. Charlton and Patricia S. Glover, attorneys who have been practicing since 1983 and 1988, respectively. Our experienced attorneys will work one-on-one with you to get the attention you deserve, whether it involves Criminal Defense, Wills & Probate, or any other legal issue.

Copyright © 2023 Charlton & Glover, P.C. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Sitemap