When Disputes Involve Children, A Guardian Ad Litem May Be Necessary
One of the hardest things for families is when a child becomes the focal point of a legal dispute when they tell different stories. These cases are emotionally difficult and oftentimes take the highest toll on the child. When this happens, a Massachusetts court may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate and report to the court. Sometimes, the G.A.L. will make recommendations to the court as well. I am attorney Danielle A. Thomason, and I have been working as a Guardian Ad Litem for many years. I may be appointed from a formal list for cases or selected for private Guardian Ad Litem work when two attorneys stipulate on me serving in their dispute as an objective party. I operate as an independent fact finder who will ensure that rights are respected and properly enforced.
What, Exactly, Is A Guardian Ad Litem?
A Guardian Ad Litem is a neutral party and doesn’t represent anyone in that case. In Massachusetts, a Guardian Ad Litem works on behalf of the judiciary to ensure that the legal rights of the child are being protected and properly enforced. Guardians Ad Litem are trained to take appointments from the court. They are not the children’s attorneys and are expressly prohibited from acting as such when they are appointed. They usually are appointed for a specific purpose. This occurs during custody hearings, disputes over parenting time, cases involving domestic violence, situations where mental health is at issue and other such disputes where an objective representative for the child’s best interests is necessary.
In my work as a Guardian Ad Litem, I prepare a report for the court to address the specifics of the case and sometimes offer recommendations for what course of action would be in the best interests of the child or children. These reports can be used as evidence in cases where they are relevant to the proceedings. I take these cases very seriously, as I understand how important it is to ensure that the best interests of a child are determined and enforced.
I Am Available To Assist In Your Dispute
If you are in need of a Guardian Ad Litem for your family law dispute, then I am ready to help you. Please feel free to contact me today online or call my firm, Thomason Law, P.C., at 978-300-3718 so that we can get begin working to resolve your dispute.