Guardian And Attorney Ad Litem in Bartow, FL

As part of her work serving Florida families, our founding attorney at the Advocate Law Firm, P.A. can serve as both a guardian ad litem and attorney ad litem in Polk and Lakeland Counties. While it is crucial for professionals to fulfill these roles in family law cases and other legal matters, many are not familiar with what being a guardian or attorney ad litem entails. We are here to tell you. 

Guardian ad litem:

• A court-appointed professional, whose job is to investigate, evaluate, and communicate the best interests of a child involved in a court case. Investigations are key for a guardian ad litem. They can interview or observe the child they are representing, as well as the child’s parents, school officials, caretakers, and other relevant people to gather information for a Guardian’s Report. Judges will use this report’s findings to guide their decisions. 

Attorney ad litem:  

• Similar to a guardian ad litem, an attorney ad litem is court-appointed. Their job is to protect a child’s legal interests by either presenting or objecting to evidence in a case, cross-examining witnesses, and summoning witnesses of their own, among other things. They will not conduct investigations or evaluations like a guardian ad litem. Their objective is to be a third litigant in family law or criminal cases. 

When Do Courts Appoint a Guardian Ad Litem?

Courts will appoint a guardian ad litem as soon as possible in cases involving abandonment, neglect, or child abuse. Parties in a divorce, child custody, or other type of family law case can request that courts appoint a guardian ad litem. 

When Do Courts Appoint An attorney Ad Litem?

Parties can individually or collectively ask a court appoint an attorney ad litem. Judges themselves can also make an appointment when they see fit. An attorney ad litem can represent a child in cases involving divorce, custody, domestic violence, child abuse, and others. 

In general, courts do everything they can to prevent children from having to deliver testimony in cases where they are pivotal witnesses. To do so, they will appoint an attorney ad litem to buffer children from court matters. 

Reach Out To Get The Help Of Our Experienced Attorney 

Our founding attorney, Melissa A. Wilson, is a guardian ad litem in Bartow. She has a wealth of experience fulfilling this role, as well as that of an attorney ad litem. She is proud to have been a resource for families navigating civil and criminal matters in Polk and Lakeland Counties. 

The types of cases that necessitate a guardian or attorney ad litem are often fraught and not just any attorney is right for the job. Ours at Advocate Law Firm, P.A. has a track record of delivering the kind of personalized and objective service that is crucial in cases that involve children. 

To seek the help of our lawyer or discuss issues concerning a guardian or attorney ad litem, reach out today. A representative of our firm would be glad to schedule a free consultation, during which you can speak about your situation in detail. 

Call (863) 644-5566 or connect with us online.