Guardian Ad Litem
A person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child or vulnerable adult in a legal case.
A guardian ad litem (often shortened to GAL) is someone the court appoints to investigate a case and speak up for the best interests of a child or vulnerable adult. The GAL is not an attorney for either parent. Instead, they act as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information by interviewing parents, children, teachers, and others, then making recommendations to the judge.
In Minnesota, a GAL may be appointed in custody disputes, child protection proceedings, and cases involving vulnerable adults. The GAL typically visits each parent’s home, reviews relevant records, and submits a written report with recommendations about custody, parenting time, or other issues affecting the child’s welfare.
Why it matters: The GAL’s recommendations carry significant weight with judges. If a GAL is appointed in your case, cooperating fully and honestly with the GAL is important because their report can strongly influence the outcome.
Example: During a contested custody case, the court appoints a guardian ad litem who interviews both parents, observes each home, talks to the children’s teachers, and recommends that the children primarily live with one parent.
Child custody disputes, child protection cases, guardianship proceedings