What is a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an individual appointed by a court in Illinois to represent a minor or legally incapacitated person in legal proceedings. In guardianship law, a GAL is responsible for making an independent assessment of the best interests of the minor or incapacitated person and reporting the results to the court. A GAL should be knowledgeable in law and understand the complexities of the situation to be able to make an informed recommendation to the court. A GAL is an independent party in the legal process, and is not affiliated with either party or any attorney involved in the case. It is important for the GAL to be impartial and unbiased in their investigation so the court can get a true and accurate understanding of what is best for the minor or incapcitated person. The GAL’s duties may include: visiting and interviewing all relevant parties including family members, attorneys, social workers, and service providers; assessing the mental and physical health, legal capacity, and financial condition of the minor or incapacitated person; gathering information to make autonomous decisions about the best interest of the person; and representing the interests of the minor or incapacitated person in legal proceedings. A GAL provides an invaluable service to the court by providing an external viewpoint and independent assessment of guardianship cases. It is important for the GAL to have a thorough understanding of the case and be impartial in order to provide the court with an accurate recommendation.

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What is a guardian ad litem?

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