Setting Priorities and Communicating With a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
Given this reality, cases involving minor children will often be assigned a third attorney known as a Guardian Ad Litem or GAL. This attorney owes you no such confidentiality as your own lawyer and will have sway with the judge varying from courtroom to courtroom. Communication and anything shared with the GAL should be strictly governed by your attorney.
It’s All About Kids, Or Is It?
Entering into legal proceeding, whether divorce or custody, can be a trial for not only parents but the children involved. As a parent, sometimes it’s difficult to hand over co-parenting to the legal system while such proceedings are going on. Parents might check with their attorney before making a parenting decision they would make easily prior to such a matter.
The reality is that while courts can intervene and protect children that are bruised and battered, in general divorce and custody matters, courts mostly specialize in the division of assets, and to logistical and financial compromises between the parties.