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.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, is a community volunteer trained to be the voice of an abused or neglected child.

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.

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.

Generally GAL fees are paid from the ward's estate; however, if the ward's estate is insolvent, then the GAL will bill the county.

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.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to present the best interest of a child in court.

Advocate provides a judge with carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. Each case is as unique as the child involved. The Advocate must determine if it is in the child's best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be place in foster care or other out-of-home placement, or be freed for adoption.

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 )