Guardians ad litem (GAL) are appointed by a commission recently established by the state legislature which is currently developing new procedures and qualifications. For more information, you can go to the Guardian as Litem Board page at http://www.nh.gov/gal/certified.htm.

A CASA/GAL is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by the judge to serve as guardian ad Litem under Ohio Revised Code ?2151.281. Pursuant to the statue, the guardian ad Litem must advocate for the best interests of the child.

The attorney ad litem is appointed to represent the proposed ward in connection with the guardianship of an adult incapacitated person as soon as the court investigator files his report with the Court. The Attorney ad litem is appointed in connection with the guardianship of a minor as soon as the application is received by the Court.

Try to resolve the issues through your lawyer and the guardian ad litem. If that doesn’t work, or you are not satisfied, then all issues concerning a guardian ad litem should be addressed to the judge or marital master in your case. It is possible to file a complaint with the Chief Justice of the Superior Court or the Administrative Judge of the Family Division.

In order to change the GAL, you must file a motion with the court where your case was heard. The judge or marital master in your case is the only one who can change that appointment.

We would never ask you to do anything or go anywhere that makes you feel unsafe. You can take a social worker, another GAL staff member, or police officer on a home visit if you need to. You can also arrange meetings in public places, such as a restaurant or a DSS office. (Last updated on 02/24/2004 )

For example, parents are the natural guardians of their minor children, an aunt may be appointed guardian of a minor child who has lost both parents, or a friend may serve as guardian for the property of a temporarily disabled person. A guardian is appointed by the court, and must follow certain procedures, such as providing the court with regular reports, but is not required to have specific training to carry out this role. The guardianship may last for a short time or indefinitely.

ANSWER In general, because a minor in most cases cannot initiate or defend lawsuits without adult assistance, a court will appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor appearing in court in order to ensure that the minor's interests are adequately represented. While parents usually serve as the guardian, a guardian ad litem may be appointed if a parent or general guardian is unavailable, incompetent, or has conflicting interests.

In family cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed when parents cannot agree to a custody and visitation arrangement for children. Typically the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL unless the parties are indigent.

Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs. Much of the work can be done on the weekend, in the evening, or on the telephone. You would need your employer's permission to take off work when you have a court date (every three to six months, depending on the case). (Last updated on 01/22/2003 )

The initial training program takes 25-30 hours to complete, usually in the evenings or on the weekends. After you are assigned a case, you will spend 10-15 hours per month interviewing parties, reviewing reports, attending court (if scheduled that month), and visiting with the child. The time commitment varies from case to case. (Last updated on 01/22/2003 )