Family law
Guardian ad litem
Also called GAL
A person a court appoints to look out for a child's best interests in a case, for example by investigating and interviewing people who know about the child's welfare.[1]
In more detail
In Florida family cases, a guardian ad litem acts as the child's next friend, investigator or evaluator, not as the child's lawyer or advocate, and files a written report that may include recommendations.[1] The guardian must also give the court recommendations on any agreement that affects the child.[1]
Varies by state
Roles, powers and who serves as guardian ad litem differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Child custody evaluationAn evaluation, investigation or assessment a court orders to help it decide what is best for a child's health, safety and welfare in a disputed custody or visitation case.
- Dependency mediation (Florida)In Florida, mediation of child welfare cases: dependency cases and cases about a child or a family that needs services.
- Best interests of the childThe standard courts use to decide custody, time-sharing and visitation: what arrangement is best for the child, rather than for either parent.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Guardian ad litem: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/guardian-ad-litem/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.