What is a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an appointed legal role in South Carolina guardianship law. A GAL is typically a lawyer or other qualified professional who is chosen to represent the best interests of a minor or incapacitated person in legal proceedings. When a judge appoints a guardian ad litem, that person steps into the shoes of the minor or incapacitated person and becomes the legal representative of the person who is unable to make decisions for themselves. The GAL will look into the situation, investigate the facts, and make recommendations to the court on behalf of the minor or incapacitated person. The GAL’s primary job is to act as a check and balance for the court, ensuring that any decisions made in the court proceedings are truly in the best interest of the minor or incapacitated person. They will look for and consider all available evidence to make sure that any decisions made are in the best interest of the minor or incapacitated person. This could include considering questions of abuse or neglect, financial concerns, and any other information that could affect the outcome of the case. The GAL will make an independent judgment as to what is in the best interest of the person they are representing, and present their findings to the judge. The judge will then decide what the best course of action is for the minor or incapacitated person.

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What is a guardian ad litem?

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