Guardian ad Litem Services

A Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, is appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interests of a child in a legal proceeding. TLC’s GALs are licensed attorneys; however, in their role as GAL, they do not serve as legal counsel for the child or either parent. The GAL’s role is to independently investigate the circumstances of the case and advocate for the child’s best interests.

No. TLC does not accept direct requests from parents or members of the public to provide legal representation for a child. Although TLC’s GALs are licensed attorneys, their role as Guardian ad Litem is different from serving as the child’s attorney. A GAL is appointed by the Court to advocate for the child’s best interests.

TLC must be formally appointed by the Court. If you are represented by an attorney, you should discuss requesting a Guardian ad Litem with your attorney. In some cases, the Court may direct the parties or counsel to contact TLC regarding a potential appointment.

Not necessarily. A court minute, verbal recommendation, or direction to contact TLC does not by itself authorize TLC to begin work on a case. TLC requires a formal written Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem that sets forth the GAL’s authority.

Yes, when possible. Counsel should contact TLC regarding availability and the appointment process before submitting an order so that the appropriate appointment and fee provisions can be included.

TLC uses an income-based sliding fee scale. The applicable flat fee is based on the parties’ combined household income and financial circumstances and may range from pro bono services to $2,500.

No. Pro bono GAL services are based on financial qualification. Financial documentation from both parties is required before TLC can determine the applicable fee.

TLC generally requires financial information from both parties, including the most recent household tax return and/or recent paystubs. Additional documentation may be requested when necessary to determine the appropriate fee.

TLC cannot determine whether a reduced fee applies without the requested financial documentation. If required financial information is not provided, the highest applicable fee tier may be assessed.

Substantive GAL work will not begin until TLC has received the formal Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem, required financial documentation, payment if applicable, and any required consent forms.

Once the appointment requirements are satisfied, TLC will provide the parties with instructions regarding financial qualification, payment, intake materials, document submission, and scheduling. If a party is represented by counsel, TLC may also require a Consent to Interview before communicating directly with that party.

Parties should not send unsolicited case materials, photographs, recordings, screenshots, or lengthy narratives unless instructed to do so. TLC will provide instructions regarding the submission of relevant information once the intake process begins.

The length of an investigation depends on the circumstances of the case, including the issues involved, the records that must be obtained and reviewed, and the availability of the parties and other individuals who may need to be interviewed. TLC cannot guarantee completion by a particular court date unless specifically agreed upon in advance.

TLC accepts GAL appointments in certain family law matters, including divorce, paternity, guardianship, and parentage matters. Acceptance of any appointment is subject to availability and the circumstances of the individual case.