Title: Guardian Ad Litem | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
Headings: Guardian Ad Litem
Guardian Ad Litem
Definition
Overview
Source and Uniformity of Law
Guardians ad Litem in Domestic Disputes
Guardians ad Litem in Incapacity Cases
Further Reading
Other References
Key Internet Sources

Content: Guardians ad Litem in Domestic Disputes
Courts frequently appoint guardians ad litem to represent children's interests in cases involving adoption, child custody, child support, divorce, emancipation of minors, and visitation rights. In these cases, the guardians ad litem usually act as factfinders for the court, not as advocates for the children. Accordingly, they should base their recommendations on what would actually be best for the children, not on what the children prefer. Usually, parents must split any costs associated with hiring a guardian ad litem. Guardians ad Litem in Incapacity Cases
In many jurisdictions, courts also appoint guardians ad litem in cases involving an allegedly incapacitated person. For example, if children sue, asking the court to to declare their parent incapacitated and appoint a guardian or conservator, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to advocate the parent's best interests. Further Reading
For more on guardians ad litem, see this New York Law Journal article, this Journal of Law and Family Studies article, and this Nova Southeastern University Law Review article. menu of sources
Other References
Key Internet Sources
Guardianship of Children (Nolo)
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LIFE EVENTS
family & personal matters
elder law
juvenile law
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Keywords
family law
divorce
guardians