Before a court order on custody is entered, both parties have an equal right to access the children. If you’re involved in a custody dispute, it is important that you retain an attorney and take their advice to heart. Don’t do things that could jeopardize your shot at custody.
When parents can’t seem to communicate and look at what really is in the best interest of the children or when the court believes that the children need a neutral person to observe and advise the court on what it is the best interest, the parents or the court can ask for a guardian ad-litem (GAL). The job of the GAL is to talk with the children, observe their routine in the home of each parent, observe the parents, and observe the relationships. They may also separately talk with the parents and the children in a private environment. This person reports back to the judge and makes a recommendation on what they believe is in the best interest of the children involved in the case.
Make no doubt about it – if you’re simply hiring a guardian ad-litem in an effort to look like the better parent, this can backfire on you. It is very difficult to pull the proverbial wool over the eyes of a GAL. If the court appoints a GAL, make sure that you listen to your attorney and to the GAL. The job of the GAL is to represent the best interest of your children.
