What should you not say to guardian ad litem?

What should you not say to guardian ad litem?

Don’t call him about every issue where the two of you can’t agree. 5. NEVER COACH YOUR CHILD: Telling your child about the pending Court case or the adult issues between you and her other parent is never a good idea. Telling your child what to say to his Guardian ad litem is even a worse idea!

What does a guardian ad litem investigate?

A Guardian ad Litem, commonly referred to as a GAL, is a person appointed by the Court to investigate the facts of any proceeding pending in the court relating to or involving questions as to the care, custody or maintenance of minor children and as to any matter involving domestic relations.

How do you impress a guardian ad litem?

5 Tips For Working With A Guardian Ad Litem

  1. First Impressions at the GAL Office. As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is definitely the case with a GAL.
  2. First Impressions at the Home Visit.
  3. Don’t Put the Child in the Middle.
  4. Be Honest.
  5. Stay In Touch.

What does a gal look for in a home visit?

The GAL looks at the child’s connection to their Home, School and Community. Help the GAL see that connection by bringing it up yourself. If you live with a significant other or family member, have them be available to talk to the GAL as well.

What questions does a gal ask?

To help put the child at ease, the GAL may ask questions about:

  • School—What subjects do they like? What do they like to take for lunch?
  • Friends—Who are their friends? What do they like to do together?
  • Interests—Do they play any sports? What video games do they like?
  • Family—Who are the members of their family?

What is a gal looking for?

A GAL is appointed when the court has reasonable cause to suspect the parenting issues involve a child’s safety or the best interest of the child warrants further investigation. A GAL is also appointed when serious allegations of abuse and neglect or issues relating to the child’s health and safety are raised.

What is an unsafe environment for a child?

Being unwilling to meet your child’s basic needs for food, shelter, clean water, and a safe environment (examples of unsafe environments include: your child living in cars or on the street, or in homes where they are exposed to poisonous materials, convicted sex offenders, temperature extremes, or dangerous objects …

What do courts look for in a custody battle?

Overall, the courts look at multiple factors when deciding which parent will win the custody battle. The parents physical and mental health. The parents motive for seeking custody of the child. The parents ability to encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent and extended family.

What does a judge look for when deciding custody?

Judges must decide custody based on “the best interests of the child.” The “best interests of the child” law requires courts to focus on the child’s needs and not the parent’s needs. The law requires courts to give custody to the parent who can meet the child’s needs best .

At what age can a child say which parent they want to live with?

16 years old

What if your child doesn’t want to live with you?

If your child is adamant about not wanting to live with you or not wanting to hold any visitation with you, the best thing for you to do is to talk with your child about his/her feelings. Maybe this is just their way of acting out, or maybe they do have some valid concerns that you weren’t completely aware of.

Can I let my child live with someone else?

Occasionally a minor child will end up living with someone else besides his or her parents. Currently there is a new law which allows a parent to give a caregiver (the person the child is living with) concurrent authority to make educational and health care decisions for the minor child.

Why does a child prefer one parent over the other?

It’s not uncommon for children to prefer one parent over the other. Sometimes this is due to a change in the parenting roles: a move, a new job, bedrest, separation. One parent cares more for the infant, while the other parent spends more time with the older children.