What is a "GAL"?
Some members of our society are unable to express their wishes in matters involving the
Courts. Many times, the Court will require an advocate for children, incapacitated people, and the
elderly. The purpose of this is to provide a voice for these kinds of clients. We in the legal
profession refer to this person as a guardian ad litem, "GAL".
The term "ad litem" one of Latin origins, which literally translates to, "for purposes of legal
action only." Thus, a guardian ad litem is an attorney who is appointed to guard the interests of the
person for purposes of a pending legal action only.
The Court usually authorizes the guardian ad litem to conduct an investigation as to any
issues or allegations which affect their client's legal interests and write one or more reports. Often,
the report will contain recommendations that the guardian ad litem believes are necessary to protect
the interests of their client.
Misty Fields and Christopher Garner are both experienced in acting in the capacity of
guardian ad litem in cases involving children, incapacitated people, and elderly persons.