It is not uncommon in St. Louis County for the Judge to appoint a Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) in a family law case. While the GAL is commonly referred to as the child’s attorney, the GAL in fact represents the best interests of the child.

I have been a GAL and dealt with GALs. A lot. Here are 5 things that you can expect from the GAL and 5 things that you cannot expect from the GAL.

Remembering these 10 things will make your experience with the GAL in your case the best that it can be:

What you can expect from the GAL

  • You can expect the GAL to talk to both parents and meet the child
  • You can expect the GAL to talk to the attorneys for both parents
  • You can expect the GAL to consider talking to other people that you suggest
  • You can expect the GAL to review school and medical records, if relevant
  • You can expect the GAL to make suggestions about resources like counseling/therapy that may assist your family

You cannot expect from the GAL

  • You cannot expect the GAL to tell you who they believe is the better parent
  • You cannot expect the GAL talk to every person and review every piece of information that you suggest is important
  • You cannot expect the GAL to give you legal advice
  • You cannot expect the GAL to tell you how to “win” your case
  • You cannot expect the GAL to work for free