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Guardian ad Litem

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_padding=”2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ width=”70%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”List of Current Guardians ad Litem” button_url=”https://www.centerforcooperativeparenting.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/15B-GAL-List-2023.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ background_color=”#4a5052″ custom_button=”on” button_use_icon=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#4a5052″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Apply to be a Guardian ad Litem in District 15B” button_url=”https://www.centerforcooperativeparenting.org/qualification-form/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ background_color=”#5cafd6″ custom_button=”on” button_use_icon=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#5cafd6″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″ width=”55%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Description
Guardians ad Litem (GALs) may be appointed in contested civil district court custody cases. They are appointed before an original custody order or a modification of a custody order is submitted to the court. GALs investigate the needs of the child in a custody dispute and make recommendations to the judge regarding what is in the child’s best interest. They interview persons involved in the child’s life and gather information from many sources to formulate a comprehensive and balanced picture of a child’s needs in the family. GALs provide assessment and recommendations upon conclusion of the investigation as specified in the GAL Appointment Court Order. Custody orders are formulated after the GAL investigation and report is complete. Civil District GALs are compensated by the parties in the contested custody case.

Qualifications
Must have attended and received a certificate of completion of 24 hours of Judicial District 15B’s combined Civil District Guardian ad Litem and Parent Coordinator Training that includes knowledge and practice of confidentiality, interviewing, dynamics of high-conflict families, and legal issues.

Eligibility for the approved Civil District Guardian ad Litem list for Judicial District 15B: Complete the form above and the Center for Cooperative Parenting will review. The chief district court judge makes final decisions regarding additions to the approved list.

Supervision
Participate in an ongoing seminar on at least a quarterly basis, to include continuing education, group discussion, and peer review and support. Monthly peer consultation among approved Civil District GALs is encouraged.

Practice Issues
Judicial District 15B’s Guardian ad Litem Program that supervises volunteer GALs in abuse, neglect and dependency cases cannot provide supervision to Civil District GALs.

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