Guardians ad litem – attorneys appointed to represent the interests of the child(ren) involved in your family law case – are scary. They’re necessary, too, because in a lot of cases, they’re really the only ones with the ability to look at both sides and make a recommendation to the judge. But…they make a recommendation...
As a Mother, when dealing with a Guardian Ad Litem in your child custody case: Don’t Exaggerate, Understate.–when explaining the difficulties you are encountering with the father of your child, narrow the focus and the conversation to the top 1 or 2 issues. Focus on the most critical issue and be organized about your concerns....
When custody of your children is in dispute, or sometimes, when visitation cannot be agreed to by the parents, courts will often appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to represent the “best interest” of your Children.. Don’t Assume The Guardian Ad Litem will Share Your View A Guardian ad Litem, often referred to as a GAL,...
For moms facing a custody case, nothing strikes fear into their hearts quite like the possibility of working with a Guardian ad litem. As a mom myself, I can understand the fear. A lawyer (yes—a lawyer!) will have the opportunity to talk to you and your child’s father and even your child (without you present!)...
Everyone hates their Guardian ad litem. Everyone. And, at some point, almost everyone asks how they can have their Guardian ad litem removed. I hear all the time that they’re totally biased. That the GAL is probably sleeping with the child’s father. (True story, I’ve heard that!) That they aren’t doing their job. That they...
Custody cases are interesting because they can come up in a number of ways, unlike divorce. In a divorce, you have essentially two options: (1) negotiate a signed separation agreement, or (2) litigate in court. Divorce Cases Where Custody is an Issue Divorce is filed in the circuit court. Custody, though, can present differently. Custody...
In Virginia, there is no requirement that you hire an attorney to represent you in a divorce or custody case, whether at the juvenile or circuit court level (or even beyond, if your case merits an appeal). If you choose not to hire an attorney, you represent yourself. We call people who represent themselves pro...