A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is a person appointed to represent the best interests of a child. According to Texas Family Code a GAL can be a professional who is appropriately licensed, and whose training relates to the determination of the child’s best interest.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years’ experience working with families and children. If I am appointed by the court to be the legal guardian of the child it is my role to:
- Conduct an investigation and advocate for the best interest of the children in divorce and custody cases.
- Meet with both parents and the child
- Make home visits to both parents homes
- Monitor emails and communication between parents
- Educate parents on Co-Parenting and divorce related issues
- Speak with numerous collaterals such as; counselors, CPS workers, educators, doctors, caretakers, friends, and relatives of the family.
- Work with parents and recommend a parenting plan before going to mediation or court.
- Attend all legal proceedings
- Report to the court when necessary
- work collaboratively with both parties’ lawyers to keep them informed about the case and my recommendations
- Find resources for the family when necessary
- Monitor Drug and alcohol testing if necessary
- Help negotiate temporary visitation issues
- Recommend visitation changes if any psychological, physical, or sexual abuse occurs
- Monitor any counseling for the children and parents