Helping You Understand the Role of the Guardian ad Litem
In some divorce cases involving child custody, and other child custody and visitation disputes, the court may require an attorney to represent the interests of the child in order to make a final recommendation to the Court. Called a guardian ad litem, the representative will work with the child and other parties in the child’s life to determine what those interests might be.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we represent the rights and interests of children of divorced or divorcing parents. Multiple attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC are court-certified guardians ad litem. From our multiple offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Indiana we represent clients throughout the area.
Using a Guardian ad Litem
Since children cannot legally represent themselves in court, the court will appoint a guardian ad litem, which is a lawyer to protect the child’s best interests. A guardian ad litem is often appointed in cases where a parent is determined mentally unfit to protect a child’s best interests when working out a parenting plan or when abuse or neglect is alleged. The court may also appoint a guardian ad litem in cases where a parenting plan is highly disputed between divorcing parents. Typical issues include:
- Grandparent visitation and other third-party access (relatives, friends, etc.)
- Primary custody vs. shared custody
- Equal parenting time
- Vacation schedules and holidays
- Disputes regarding legal custody and decision-making authority
To learn more about Guardian ad Litem, read Providing the Guardian ad Litem Information or please visit our blog post, The Role of Guardian ad Litem in Family Law.
Contact an Attorney Who Understands the Role of the Guardian ad Litem
Our attorneys in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Indiana understand the sensitive nature of high-conflict domestic relations disputes. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a confidential consultation at any of our convenient locations. We have locations in St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Wichita, Topeka, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond.
