What is guardian ad litem?
The term “guardian ad litem” (“GAL”) is generally understood to refer to a person appointed by a court to represent the best interest of an individual (usually a child or incompetent adult) in any proceeding where a court deems it necessary to appoint such a person. The term “ad litem” means “for the purposes of the proceeding” and the nature of GAL’s activity may vary from case to case. Generally a GAL performs those functions deemed necessary under the terms of as particular court’s appointment. The appointment might, for example, include a requirement that a GAL make recommendations to the court about what is in the best interest of a recipient of services. A GAL is not appointed to serve as a person’s overall attorney for all purposes and not all GALs are lawyers. Similarly a GAL is not a general “guardian” appointed to handle the affiars of another.
