Frequently Asked Questions

A brief list of commonly asked questions with answers about Guardian ad Litems.
What is a Guardian ad Litem or GAL?

A Guardian ad Litem is a special court appointed attorney. The phrase Guardian ad Litem literally means guardian at law.

A Guardian ad Litem or GAL, is an attorney appointed by the Juvenile Court to advocate for the best interests of a child (or in some instances, an adult) in a juvenile court proceeding. A GAL receives training through the GAL Project, a program of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.

What Does a Guardian ad Litem do?

A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the court to do whatever is necessary to protect the "best interests" of a child, including, but not limited to:

Investigation: A Guardian ad Litem is entitled to all information relating to his/her ward.

Mediation: A Guardian ad Litem will discuss issues with all parties to reach resolutions in the child's best interests.

When Does a Guardian ad Litem Get Involved?

Usually when Social Services gets involved a GAL gets assigned. GALs are always appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interests of a child involved in neglect and abuse cases, permanent custody cases, and in temporary and permanent surrender cases. A GAL will also be appointed for a child in a dependency, delinquency, unruly, traffic, or private custody case when:

When Should You Call the Appointed Guardian ad Litem?

A parent, custodian and/or legal guardian should call the appointed Guardian ad Litem

  • when the child's progress at school or home has changed
  • when you receive notice of a court hearing
  • when you or the child has a new address or phone number
  • when the child has a social, mental health or medical need that is not being addressed
  • when any issue arises with the child, the parent, or the caregiver
What Should You Expect From a GAL?

As a parent, guardian or legal custodian, you can expect that:

  • the GAL will communicate with you regarding the child's needs and your efforts to meet those needs.
  • the GAL may also communicate with teachers, counselors, therapists, doctors, and anyone else who has relevant information.
    the GAL will listen to your concerns.
  • if you are a person who wants custody or visitation, the Guardian ad Litem will confer with you about this child.
  • the Guardian ad Litem will make reports concerning the child to the court.
What Does it Mean That the Guardian ad Litem Represents "the Best Interests of the Child"?

A GAL is appointed to represent the best interests of his/her ward. Although GALs in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court are attorneys, representing a ward's best interests is different from an attorney representing the child client. A GAL is appointed to conduct an investigation, to come to a conclusion about what would be best for his/her ward, and to report his/her conclusion to the court. Sometimes a child involved in a custody or visitation case, particularly an older child, may have strong feelings or wishes, which are different from what the GAL believes is truly best for the child.