Guardian ad Litem Services
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is sometimes appointed by the court in Divorce and Parental Rights and Responsibility cases when parents are having difficulty making decisions regarding their child or children. GALs advocate for children by making recommendations to the family and the court based on the best interest of the child, set forth in Maine law.
As a GAL, I spend time with the child or children, interview the parents, and often meet with teachers, doctors, therapists, or other individuals involved with the family. I also often review medical records, school records, and other relevant documents. I assist the family by identifying problems the family is facing, recommending servcies that may be helpful for the child and family, and recommending amicable solutions that are in the best interest of the child.
This service gives the child a voice in the proceedings and outcome, without directly involving them in the litigation. My goal is to help the family come to an amicable resolution, if possible, and to represent the voice of the child in the event that the case needs to go to trial.