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Bardol Law Firm

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314.918.0100

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What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

Home FAQs What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

By GNGF on October 26th, 2022 in

A Guardian ad Litem or GAL is an attorney who is appointed by the judge to look after the best interests of your child. In Missouri, Guardians complete a special set of classes and legal training in order to adequately represent your child’s needs. While a Guardian ad Litem is not appointed in every child custody case, they can be appointed if allegations of abuse or neglect are made, or if the judge deems a GAL’s presence to be necessary for other purposes. A Guardian can also be appointed at the request of one of the parties.

What is the Guardian’s Job?

A GAL’s job is to conduct an investigation into the life of your home and your child. After the process is complete, the Guardian ad Litem gives a recommendation about child custody to the judge. These opinions are usually looked upon with a great deal of importance. Guardian’s studies can include inquiries into the daily lives of you and your child, your medical records, schooling records, and other relevant documents. A Guardian may also speak with family doctors, teachers, or any other relevant witnesses. It is not unusual for a GAL to speak with your child alone about his or her feelings and thoughts.

Why have a Guardian Ad Litem Present?

A Guardian is a very useful resource in the case where abuse or neglect is potentially present, or even if the parents simply cannot reach an agreement over custody. A Guardian’s decision could be very different from your personal opinions on the matter. It is important to discuss all of the rights and responsibilities a GAL holds with your attorney, who will be able to explain the in-depth custody process to you.

If you have questions about your case and whether a Guardian Ad Litem is right for your situation, contact Bardol Law today.

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Bardol Law Firm

34 North Gore Ave., Suite 203
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 918-0100

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  • About
  • Attorneys
    ▼
    • Stephen J. Bardol
    • Ann Vatterott Bruntrager
  • Practice Areas
    ▼
    • Divorce
      ▼
      • 50 Divorce Tips
      • Divorce in Missouri
      • High Net Worth Divorce
      • Mediation
      • Name Change
    • Family Law
      ▼
      • Child Custody
        ▼
        • Guardianship
        • Family Access
      • Child Support
      • Spousal Support
      • Modifications
      • Legal Separation
      • Family Law in Missouri
        ▼
        • Family Law Tips
      • Paternity
      • Grandparent Rights
    • Prenuptial Agreements
    • Adoption
      ▼
      • Agency Adoptions
      • Private Adoptions
      • Stepparent Adoptions
      • Interstate Adoptions
      • Grandparent Adoptions
      • International Adoptions
    • Orders of Protection
      ▼
      • Full Order of Protection
      • Ex Parte Order of Protection
      • Adult Order of Protection
      • Child Order of Protection
      • Foreign Order of Protection
      • Modifying of Order of Protection
      • Renewal of Order of Protection
  • Resources
    ▼
    • FAQs
    • Our Blog
    • Missouri Divorce Law
    • Child Support Calculator
    • Forms & Checklists
    • Family Law Links
    • Family Law Glossary
    • Circuit Courts Contact Information
    • Domestic Violence Corner
  • Start Here
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us