What is the role of the guardian ad litem in a guardianship case?

In North Carolina, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed attorney or volunteer who is responsible for representing the best interests of an incapacitated person in a guardianship case. The GAL is responsible for investigating the proposed guardianship, ascertaining who would be the best guardian for the incapacitated person, and informing the court of their findings. The GAL has many responsibilities in a guardianship case. First, they must review the facts of the case and determine who would be the best guardian. This includes assessing the proposed guardians to determine if they are competent and capable of fulfilling their duties. The GAL must also investigate the circumstances of the incapacitated person to make sure the proposed guardianship is in their best interest. The GAL must also interview witnesses and obtain any necessary documents to support their position. They then provide a report to the court outlining their findings and making a recommendation for the proposed guardianship. The court may appoint a GAL to represent an incapacitated person in any guardianship proceedings. Finally, the GAL has a duty to represent the incapacitated person in court proceedings. They must use their expertise to ensure that the court is protecting the best interests of the incapacitated person, and that they are not exposed to any undue harm or mistreatment. The GAL is the advocate of the incapacitated person, and it is their responsibility to ensure that the court considers all relevant facts in order to make a fair and just decision.

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