Guardian ad litem (GAL)

A Guardian ad litem (GAL) is a person, often a lawyer or trained professional, appointed by a court to represent the best interests of a child involved in legal proceedings, such as custody or abuse cases. The GAL investigates the child's situation, talks to involved parties, and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure the child's needs are prioritized. Their role is to provide an independent perspective focused solely on the child's well-being, helping the court make informed decisions that serve the child's best interests.