How To Impress A Guardian Ad Litem

Often, though not always, the judge does agree with the guardian ad litem. Generally speaking, guardians ad litem are really well respected, and they're an important part of a custody case.Guardians ad litem are attorneys, too, but they're trained to deal with kids.

You might be required to pay the GAL upfront before s/he will start working on your case. This payment is called a retainer. The cost of a GAL can be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program is committed to five core values: Commitment to Children; Communication Built on Trust; Collaboration; Collective Empowerment and Courtesy, otherwise known as the 5 C's.

A Guardian ad Litem, commonly referred to as a GAL, is a person appointed by the Court to investigate the facts of any proceeding pending in the court relating to or involving questions as to the care, custody or maintenance of minor children and as to any matter involving domestic relations.

You can ask the judge to appoint a GAL or a Probation Officer to help decide which parent should have custody. File a motion that asks the judge to appoint a GAL or order the Probation Department to investigate. If the other parent asks for custody, you can respond by asking the judge to appoint a GAL.

Locate your local program office by selecting your county on the map or from the list below. Click Here, to fill out a short form and someone from the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program will call you to answer your questions and tell you about becoming a voice for a child or you can call 866.341. 1GAL.

First Impressions at the GAL Office. As the saying goes, You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is definitely the case with a GAL. First Impressions at the Home Visit. Don't Put the Child in the Middle. Be Honest. Stay In Touch.

Pay them. It is very important to make sure GAL fees are paid. Be accessible and helpful. Don't badger or pester them. Be honest. Let them do their jobs. Remember they are the voice for your kids. Don't attack the other side.

As of Apr 13, 2021, the average annual pay for a Guardian Ad Litem in Florida is $44,666 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $21.47 an hour.