What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in a Custody Case?
This page provides general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules and procedures can change. A qualified attorney can advise you about your situation.
A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed person whose assigned role commonly concerns a child's best interests. The exact duties, access to information, recommendations, confidentiality, and payment rules come from state law and the appointment order.
Read the appointment order
The title is often shortened to GAL, but the role is not identical everywhere. Connecticut’s Judicial Branch, for example, distinguishes a GAL who represents a child’s best interests from an attorney for a minor child who represents the child’s legal interests (Connecticut Judicial Branch — Family matters FAQs).
Appointment standards, investigative duties, reports, access to records, and fees vary by jurisdiction. Use the state directory to find the controlling rule, then write down questions about the order before sharing information or records.
Read Who’s Who in Your Case for a framework to understand who selected each professional and who receives their work.
Part of Who's Who in Your Case.