A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an objective professional appointed by a court to report on and advise the court on matters relating to a minor or a person who needs the protection of the court (such as an elderly or incompetent individual). GALs play a particularly important role in divorce and post-divorce cases where child custody and visitation issues are at issue. It is unusual in highly contested child custody cases for a court not to appoint a GAL, and, if the GAL is experienced and capable, the decision of the GAL is more often than not adopted by the court. GALs are usually mental health professionals or lawyers.
BLC affiliate Dr. Richard Wolman and BLC attorney and clinical social worker Vicki L. Shemin have often served as GALs. Richard has directed and published research on the impact of custody disputes on children, and Vicki serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem.
Helping people resolve conflict in family, business, and employment disputes.
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