An Orange County attorney can be appointed as Guardian ad Litem by the Court to Protect the Child’s Best Interest
In many legal issues, children’s lives may change because of the adults around them. The job of a guardian ad litem is to protect a child’s best interests in cases where their parents or guardians may be unable to do so. This may include personal injury cases, juvenile law cases, and various family law or probate cases.
A guardian ad litem can also be appointed to represent an adult who is incapable of representing him or herself.
A Skilled OC California Family Lawyer Often Makes the Best Guardian ad Litem
A guardian ad litem cannot be a part of the legal action taking place. A qualified guardian ad litem is a neutral party, usually an attorney or a close relative, who is appointed by the court to represent a child in a court case that could change the future of that child.
It is the responsibility of the guardian ad litem to make decisions on behalf of the child or incapacitated adult, and to do so in the best interest of the person they are responsible for representing. The guardian ad litem can negotiate on behalf of the child. Any monetary reward is usually placed in an account that be accessed by the minor child when they are of legal age. A guardian ad litem may also bring legal action against a parent to enforce the parent’s legal obligations to the child.
Because of the legalities involved in making these decisions, it may be best for an attorney to act as guardian ad litem, because an attorney understands the legal effects of their decisions.
When Does the Court Appoint a Guardian ad Litem to Represent a Child?
There are several cases when a guardian ad litem may be appointed. Both parents can request that a guardian ad litem is appointed to represent their child, or a Court can determine that appointing a guardian ad litem is in the best interest of the child. This might happen when neither parent wants custody of the child, when the child does not want to live with either parent, or when the Court determines that the parents should not have custody of the child, perhaps if there are instances of neglect or abuse.
A guardian ad litem might play a valuable role in the following types of cases:
• A child custody case during a divorce, • A juvenile law case where the minor is under 14, or • A case where a child faces neglect or abuse.
A Guardian ad Litem Attorney in the OC can Help with Your Case Today
If you have questions about a case involving a child, it is important that you stand up for his or her rights. Discuss your child with the attorneys at Yanez & Associates today; we are here to help.