This document is intended for use in Guardian ad Litem appointments involving a minor child, a vulnerable adult, an alleged incapacitated person, a protected person, or any other ward identified in the Court's Order of Appointment (collectively referred to as the 'Ward').It explains the Guardian ad Litem process, professional policies, participant responsibilities, and important disclosures.

The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a neutral professional appointed by the Court to investigate matters identified in the Court's Order of Appointment. The GAL gathers information, reviews records, interviews participants and collateral sources, conducts observations as appropriate, and provides information, findings, and recommendations to assist the Court. The GAL does not represent any party, attorney, caregiver, family member, or service provider.

The GAL's authority is derived solely from the Court's Order of Appointment and applicable law. Nothing in this document expands or limits the authority granted by the Court.

Participation does not create a therapist-client, attorney-client, physician-patient, fiduciary, advocacy, treatment, or confidential relationship. Communications with the GAL are not confidential and may be used as permitted by law and the Court's appointment.

The GAL is an independent neutral. Recommendations are based upon the information reasonably available during the investigation and may or may not support the position of any participant.

The investigation may include interviews, home or facility visits, review of records, observations, collateral contacts, review of electronic communications lawfully available, and any other investigative activity authorized by the Court.

Participants are expected to complete questionnaires, sign releases, provide requested documents, identify collateral witnesses, attend scheduled appointments, and promptly notify the GAL of significant developments. Failure to cooperate may be documented and addressed with the Court.

The GAL may conduct home, residential, or facility visits as appropriate. Participants shall not coach the Ward or attempt to influence interviews or observations.

The GAL may communicate with physicians, hospitals, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, schools, employers (when relevant), APS/CPS, law enforcement, residential facilities, case managers, family members, caregivers, prior evaluators, parenting coordinators, reunification therapists, and other individuals with relevant information.

The GAL may request and review records authorized by the Court, applicable law, or valid authorization, including medical, mental health, educational, financial (when relevant), protective services, criminal justice, disability services, residential care, employment, photographs, videos, emails, text messages, and other relevant information.

The GAL will comply with all mandatory reporting obligations concerning abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment, threats of harm, or other legally reportable matters.

Participants shall communicate respectfully. Harassing, abusive, threatening, or disruptive conduct may be documented. Routine scheduling communications may occur separately; substantive communications shall be handled consistent with the appointment order and applicable law.

No interview, meeting, telephone call, video conference, or home/facility visit with the GAL may be audio recorded, video recorded, photographed, screen-recorded, livestreamed, or otherwise preserved without prior written consent of the GAL unless required or authorized by law or court order.

Participants shall not contact the GAL through social media, publish private communications, post recordings, tag the GAL, or otherwise interfere with the investigation through social media.

Participants are responsible for timely providing requested information. Late or excessive submissions may delay completion of the investigation or require supplemental review.

Requests for copies of records, notes, correspondence, questionnaires, communications, or other materials may require written authorization, subpoena, or court order, and may be subject to applicable law, privilege, test security, work-product protections, or other legal limitations.

Findings and recommendations are based upon the reasonably available information at the time the investigation is completed. The GAL cannot guarantee that all relevant information or witnesses will be identified or available.

The GAL's findings and recommendations are based upon professional judgment, observations, interviews, collateral information, and records reviewed. Opinions may change if additional reliable information becomes available before completion.

The GAL may utilize qualified administrative staff or consultants for scheduling, records management, or other support services while remaining responsible for the final work product.

Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. Threatening or unsafe behavior may result in termination of an interview, involvement of security or law enforcement when appropriate, and notification to the Court.

Questionnaires, statements, witness responses, and other materials should reflect the participant's own knowledge and experience. The GAL may consider the source, preparation, and reliability of submitted materials when evaluating credibility.

Participants shall promptly notify the GAL of significant changes including residence, placement, hospitalization, criminal charges, protective investigations, employment, caregivers, contact information, or other events affecting the Ward.

The GAL cannot guarantee any recommendation, guardianship determination, parenting arrangement, visitation schedule, or court ruling. Final decisions are made by the Court.

The investigation may involve discussion of sensitive personal, medical, educational, financial, family, psychological, or legal information and may result in findings or recommendations that are unfavorable to one or more participants.

Guardian ad Litem services are billed at $275.00 per hour for all professional services, including but not limited to interviews, record review, collateral contacts, home visits, report writing, court appearances, travel, case management, telephone conferences, email correspondence, and other case-related services.

An initial retainer of $4,000.00 is required before services begin. The retainer is deposited into the client trust account and applied toward fees as they are earned.

Clients are responsible for maintaining an adequate retainer balance throughout the course of the appointment. When the remaining retainer balance falls to approximately $750.00, the Guardian ad Litem will notify the party(ies) responsible that an additional retainer is required. Failure to replenish the retainer in a timely manner may result in suspension of services, notification to the Court and/or counsel, and/or a request for further direction from the Court, as appropriate.

Any unused retainer funds remaining at the conclusion of the case will be refunded after all outstanding fees and costs have been deducted. If fees exceed the amount of the retainer, the responsible party(ies) remain responsible for payment of the outstanding balance.

The Guardian ad Litem is under no obligation to continue providing services when the required retainer has not been replenished. The Guardian ad Litem reserves the right to notify the Court that services have been delayed or interrupted due to nonpayment.

If you haven’t already, please make your payment using this link:
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You may also call our office and make payment over the phone. (904) 704-2527