What does GAL stand for in legal terms?

Definition. A guardian ad litem is a guardian that a court appoints to watch after someone during a case.

What is a GAL for?

What is a guardian ad litem? A guardian ad litem (“GAL”) is an attorney appointed by the court to investigate a case and report its findings and recommendations to the court. The investigation, report, and recommendations are based upon the best interests of the child.

What is a GAL review?

A GAL investigates your household and the other parent’s household to recommend to the court a parenting plan in the child’s best interest. A GAL can be a lawyer, social worker, psychologist, or trained community volunteer called a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

What is a GAL in CT?

A guardian ad litem, or GAL, is a trained and certified individual appointed by the court to act as a neutral party who represents the best interest of the child (or children) in a custody or related proceeding.

What does guardian ad litem mean in legal terms?

guardian of the lawsuit
A Guardian ad Litem is an advocate for a child whose welfare is a matter of concern for the court. In legal terms, it means “guardian of the lawsuit.”

Who pays for a guardian ad litem in CT?

5. Who pays the GAL? The parties to the case pay the fees for the GAL. Each party is required to submit a financial affidavit to the court.

How much does a guardian ad litem cost in Illinois?

How Much Does a Guardian Ad Litem Cost? Guardian Ad Litems are paid by the hour. The typical hourly rate can range between $75 and $250 per her depending on whether the GAL is an attorney.

What is agal in law?

Guardians are adults who are legally responsible for protecting the well-being and interests of their ward, who is usually a minor. A guardian ad litem is a unique type of guardian in a relationship that has been created by a court order only for the duration of a legal action.

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, there’s no fixed age at which a court must consider a child’s wishes regarding custody. Still, courts will generally consider the opinion of children aged 13 or older and disregard the opinions of children who are five or younger.