Guardian Ad Litem Basics in Ohio and Tips for Your Interview

guardian ad litem divorce proceeding

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: A client of mine has an appointment next week to prepare her for her appointment with the Guardian Ad Litem in her divorce case. To prepare and organize my thoughts, I went back to the SEARCH tool at the top of the Ohio Family Law Blog to review our prior posts about this topic. I have posted 8 or so blogs about GAL’s in the past, but not one specifically about how to prepare and conduct yourself with the Guardian Ad Litem. So, here it is!

Mastering Your Approach: Strategies for Interacting Effectively with a Guardian Ad Litem

guardian ad litem parenting proceedingNavigating the best approach to take with a Guardian Ad Litem in a divorce, custody or parenting proceeding can be very confusing. The role of the GAL is extremely important to the outcome of your case. The purpose of this blog article is to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls.

THE BASICS ABOUT THE ROLE OF A GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

To save space for me to discuss my “tips” for your GAL interview, click here to read a prior blog from December of 2021 that provided the basic information you should know … Read More... “Guardian Ad Litem Basics in Ohio and Tips for Your Interview”

GAL: Should a Guardian Ad Litem Be Required to Obtain a Release of Information From the Parties Involved?

man walking in woods with young daughter

gal partjes release of informationIn Ohio, a guardian ad litem (GAL) (also known as a CASA- court appointed special advocate), is appointed by the court to assist a domestic or juvenile court in determining what is in a minor child’s best interest. A GAL does this by reviewing court pleadings, requesting and reviewing records of the necessary parties and children involved, speaking with witnesses, and conducting studies and interviews of the children at home and at school.  Because the GAL does not represent either party in the case, it is believed that through their independent investigation they will be able to recommend to the court what outcome is the best for the children.

A critical part of the GAL’s investigation is reviewing the records of the parties involved.  Therefore, in Ohio, when the court appoints a GAL to a specific case, the order issued makes it clear that the GAL has the power to review these otherwise confidential documents, and make copies if necessary. The court order usually states that it complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) regulations and states:

“Upon presentation of a copy of this court order, issued in compliance with 45 C.F.R. 164.512, to any agency, hospital,

… Read More... “GAL: Should a Guardian Ad Litem Be Required to Obtain a Release of Information From the Parties Involved?”

GAL: Proving Your Guardian Ad Litem Is Conducting a Superficial Investigation

Crucial Steps Counsel Can Take To Challenge Investigation Findings From An Incompetent GAL (Guardian Ad Litem)

GAL Guardian Ad Litem investigationA month or so ago I took a trip out to Lake Tahoe for one of my college buddy’s bachelor party.  Let me tell you something about Lake Tahoe during the ski offseason, you gamble a lot.  And that is what we all did during the weekend.  We just gambled and placed bets on various sporting events at the three casinos Lake Tahoe has to offer.  I did not go crazy with the bets because my wife would murder me, but I had some fun taking a risk on the uncertainty of will I win or not.  Except for when I placed a bet against the Reds during their series with the Pirates.  I knew for a fact I was going to make money on that bet.

In any event, I often get that feeling of uncertainty when a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is appointed to any of my child custody cases.  I know for a fact that the GAL report can make or break my client’s case surrounding custody.  So at times, I do feel that it is a gamble on … Read More... “GAL: Proving Your Guardian Ad Litem Is Conducting a Superficial Investigation”