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What is a Guardian?
A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an individual who can represent your child's best interests in court if the judge deems it necessary. A GAL can be a mental health professional or an attorney appointed by the court upon request or determination of necessity. The court will consider appointing a GAL when there are child-related disputes that cannot be resolved by the parties involved. Their role is not the same as an Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC). While the AMC represents the child's legal interests and advocates for their best interests, the GAL solely focuses on ensuring the child's best interests are upheld during the dispute.​​

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ad litem

Who can be a GAL?
In the state of Connecticut, only an individual who has completed the comprehensive training program required by Practice Book Section 25-62, which is sponsored by the Judicial Branch, is eligible to be a GAL.

What is the role of a GAL?
In cases where the parties are unable to agree on a parenting plan or there is a child related dispute, the court may order a GAL to independently represent the best interests of the child. The GAL does not represent the mother, father or any other party in the case. The GAL only represents the best interests of the child. The GAL does not make decisions for the court. The court may need the GAL to perform certain functions.
 

  • Investigative facts

  • Interview the parties and the child

  • Review files and records

  • Talk to teachers, coaches, and others​

The court may also need the GAL to perform other functions not listed above to make a determination as to the best interests of the child. The court will specify the role of the GAL in each case.

  • Speak with medical professionals

  • Participate in court hearings

  • Make recommendations to the court

  • Encourage settlement of disputes

Some of the functions could be:

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Girl in Therapy

what you get when you ework with me ...

  • Experience in conducting Comprehensive Evaluations, Issue Focused Evaluations and Alternative Dispute Resolution for the state of CT

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  • Licensed mental health professional

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  • Experience in working with children and adolescents​

 

  • Experience in testifying in family court proceedings​

 

  • Bilingual, fluent in Haitian Creole​

 

  • Flexible schedule​

 

  • Comfortable, ADA accessible office space

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what types of gal cases do we assist with?

We assist with both state rate pay and private cases.

Please complete the below form if you have any questions about our services.

questions?

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LET'S CONNECT

INFO@byourbestmentalwellness.org

Please complete the below form if you have any questions. Thank you.

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