What is Guardian ad Litem?
(GAL)

A GAL is party to a case, often dissolution cases, filed in court. GALs represent the best interests of the child. They are not lawyers for the kids. They perform an investigation and make recommendations to the court. Recommendations can be about custody, parenting time, or a variety of other topics.

Why use a Guardian ad Litem? Courts in Indiana attempt to minimize trauma to children whose parents are getting a divorce. Therefore, many judges and lawyers will not put kids on the stand to testify. GALs are able to learn about the kids and make suggestions to the court on their behalf. A GAL will not ask kids which parent they want to live with, but will look at which parent provides the most support, structure, and a variety of other factors in making their recommendations. Courts often order parents fighting over custody to hire an GAL.

How much does a Guardian ad Litem cost? GAL costs can vary widely. They often charge a retainer and an hourly fee. You should contact multiple GALs to find a price point that all of the parties are comfortable with. Many counties in Indiana have programs that provide GALs for little or no cost for lower income families. Kids’ Voice is this program for Marion County.

Why choose Wolenski Law? Aarti loves this area of practice. She believes that kids should never be put in the middle of a divorce. This process keeps kids out of court. She also enjoys learning about different families, and what is important to them.