A Coral Springs Lawyer Helping Families With Guardian Ad Litem Issues
Last updated on January 27, 2025
Are you a mother or father who needs assistance working with a guardian ad litem? A skilled family law attorney can help.
Located in Coral Springs, Florida, the Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., provides assistance to those who have had a guardian ad litem appointed to their case. It is the job of the guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the children they represent. The guardian does this by presenting accurate and timely information to the judge in order to show what needs to be done to ensure the child’s safety and health. We can help make sure that you present the critical information necessary to protect your interests and your family.
At our family law firm, we provide a client-centered approach and offer effective legal solutions to your problems. Contact an experienced family lawyer online or call 954-840-8883. We offer free initial consultations.
A Compassionate Parkland Family Attorney
A guardian ad litem is a neutral party assigned by a judge to gather facts and report them back to the court. He or she will initiate an investigation by meeting with both parents and also obtaining the names and addresses of people who have information regarding the parenting skills and relationship each parent has with the children. The guardian ad litem can access medical records and school records and is allowed to speak with anyone who may have relevant information regarding the children, including coaches, teachers, doctors, other family members and friends.
It is important for the parties to have a positive relationship with the guardian ad litem, because he or she is in a unique position to give insight into the case and to the court. Judges put a large amount of weight on the opinions of guardians, making it critical to have an attorney who will present accurate information to the guardian while maximizing the positives and minimizing any negatives in your case.
As an experienced family law firm, we are very familiar with all of the services required of a guardian ad litem, including:
- Presenting facts to the court regarding the protection of the best interests of the child
- Assisting the court in obtaining recommendations from experts in the field
- Conducting an investigation of any and all facts related to the health and safety of the child
- Advising on custody agreements, parenting plans, financial needs, educational matters and health concerns
We will use our understanding of the guardian’s roles to explain your rights to you and show you how to best approach the guardian assigned to your case.
Reasons For Appointing A Guardian Ad Litem
Appointing a guardian ad litem (GAL) arises in family law cases where a child’s best interests are at stake. Here are some reasons why a GAL may be needed to ensure fairness and protect vulnerable parties:
- Contentious custody disputes: When parents cannot agree on custody arrangements, the court can appoint a GAL. The GAL evaluates living environments and the child’s relationship with each parent. They can help determine what arrangement best serves the child’s welfare.
- Allegations of abuse or neglect: In cases involving accusations of abuse or neglect, a GAL provides an unbiased voice for the child. They investigate the claims, interview relevant parties and make recommendations to the court. Based on the child’s safety and well-being, they may suggest a specific arrangement.
- Parental fitness concerns:If a parent’s ability to care for their child is in question, a GAL assesses the situation. This could be due to substance abuse, mental health issues, or criminal charges. The GAL will advise the court on the most suitable arrangements for the child.
- Adoption or termination of parental rights: Guardians ad litem may be appointed in cases where parental rights are being terminated or during adoption proceedings. Their role is to prioritize the child’s long-term stability and happiness.
- Special needs or disabilities: For children with special needs, a GAL can provide insight into the unique considerations required to support their education, health care and overall development.
Working with a lawyer experienced in Guardian Ad Litem cases is essential. The Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., has extensive experience handling these sensitive matters. We help ensure the GAL process is fair, transparent and focused on the best outcome for the child.
We can guide your every step, advocate for your rights and present your perspective to the GAL and the court. If you are a parent in a custody battle or a concerned relative in a complex family matter, having the right legal support can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.
Contact A Fort Lauderdale Attorney Regarding Your Guardian Ad Litem Issues
To schedule a free initial consultation, please call a family law attorney at 954-840-8883 or contact us today. We will discuss any guardian ad litem questions you may have and explain your options regarding how to protect the best interest of the child involved.