If you are going through a fierce custody battle in New Jersey, the court may decide to appoint a guardian ad litem. Also known simply as a “GAL,” these legal professionals may play an important role in your divorce case. They may also have a significant amount of influence over who gets custody when all is said and done. What exactly is a guardian ad litem, anyway? What is their role, and how might these individuals impact your chances of retaining custody?
These are all important questions, and the best person to answer them is a qualified, experienced family law attorney in New Jersey. It can be quite confusing to approach a divorce trial if you are constantly being confronted by new legal terms such as “guardian ad litem.” With a skilled attorney at your side, you can approach the legal process with a sense of clarity and purpose. Rely on a qualified divorce attorney in New Jersey, and you will also increase your chances of retaining custody.
The Legal Definition of a Guardian ad Litem
Guardian ad litem simply means “guardian for the suit” in Latin. When the court appoints a guardian ad litem, they are acting on behalf of another party. In the context of a child custody case, this guardian ad litem is acting on behalf of your child. This legal professional is tasked with acting in the best interest of your child, and they are typically appointed when the court suspects that both parents are not acting in the best interest of the child. Alternatively, the court may simply appoint a guardian ad litem when “custody or parenting time/visitation is an issue.”
Here are a few examples of what a guardian ad litem might be tasked with:
- They may interview the child
- They may interview the parents
- They may interview anyone else who might be able to shed light on the family’s situation
- They might gather their own evidence
- They may confer with the attorneys of both parents
- They may confer with the court
- They may seek out experts who can shed light on the situation
- They may seek out assistance from other lawyers
It is worth stressing once again that everything a guardian ad litem does is in the best interest of the child. In contrast, your attorney may be acting in the best interest of you. The tasks listed above are just a few examples of what a guardian ad litem can do, and they have a large degree of freedom – as long as their actions are approved by the court.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for New Jersey family Attorney who can assist with your custody battle, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. We have the experience and the skills to help you pursue a positive legal outcome, whether or not a guardian ad litem has become involved. Reach out today, and we can help you retain custody of your child.