Guardian ad Litem

When two parents cannot reach an agreement on parental rights and responsibilities, including parenting contact or other issues impacting the well-being of their child, the court may appoint a GAL to provide the court with factual information and recommendations that are consistent with the Maine Legislature’s best interest standard under 19-A M.R.S. §1653(3). Dana Prescott handles mediation cases at our firm.

• When is a GAL appointed? A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed when the judge needs impartial information in custody disputes, relocation/removal proceedings (where a parent wishes to move), and requests for modification of court orders. A GAL may also be appointed when an abuse or neglect allegation is made against a parent, when there is concern over a parent’s stability, or when a parent is alleged to have an alcohol or chemical dependency problem, for example.
• What does the investigation entail? Although the process may slightly differ for each GAL, I will likely interview each parent separately, the children separately and each parent with the children.
• The GAL may interview other important people who may provide valuable insight, including teachers, child care providers, family members, family doctors and other professionals.
• Once the Guardian ad Litem has collected sufficient factual information, I compile a report with recommendations for the Court to use when making a decision.