What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

by | Mar 6, 2017 | Alabama, Children, Custody, Divorce, Family, Family Law, Legal Advice, Mobile, Significant Decisions, Visitation

When it comes to divorce, child custody and visitation disputes are no picnic. These events can be a very emotional and intense process. Frequently in divorce, child custody, or visitation disputes a Guardian Ad Litem, also known as a GAL, will be appointed.

In Alabama, a GAL is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the “best interests” of the child or children involved. A GAL’s duty is not necessarily to advocate for what the child wants which can sometimes be opposed to what is in the child’s best interests. The Guardian Ad Litem will often be asked to present a report and recommendation to the Court for consideration at the conclusion of the case, and, while the Court will take into consideration the recommendation of the GAL, the Court is not bound by what the GAL recommends.

A Guardian Ad Litem is not only appointed in divorce and custody cases but might also be appointed in cases such as;
• Minors involved without living parents
• Juvenile Delinquency Cases
• Child Abuse and Neglect cases
• Guardianships, Conservatorships and Decedents’ Estates in Probate Court.
• Civil Suits of all kinds where minors are involved.

What is Mediation?

What is Mediation?

by | Oct 26, 2016 | Alabama, Family, Family Law

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution where a third party neutral, typically a lawyer, facilitates a settlement agreement in your case.

  • Mediation is confidential and mediators are impartial.
  • The mediator does not “decide” or “rule” on the outcome; the mediator’s role is assisting in identifying issues, facilitating communication, focusing interests, exploring alternatives, and helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
  • Mediation is about self-determination — you get to decide the outcome of your case.
  • Mediation is an option in any civil case but is especially useful in the family law context due to the interests of privacy, flexibility and creativity in finding an arrangement that works for your family, and avoiding the slings and arrows of the courtroom.

Learn more about mediation here.