What does a GAL do ?

[mamadi]

What is the name of your state? North Carolina

What exactly does a GAL do ?

 

[CJane]

A GAL is an attorney, appointed by the court, whose job it is to assess and testify to the best interests of the child/ren involved in a custody dispute - usually when the parents cannot seem to determine best interests on their own.

 

[Suzz]

From a website ...

Whenever social services files a petition with the courts alleging that a child is abused or neglected, the court must appoint a GAL to represent the child’s interests in the proceeding. If the GAL is not an attorney, the court also must appoint an attorney to work with the GAL to represent the child’s legal interests. In dependency cases the judge is not required to, but may, appoint a GAL and attorney advocate for the child.

A GAL’s overall duty is to protect and promote the child’s best interests. He or she is responsible for

investigating to determine the facts, the child’s needs, and resources available in the family and community;
recommending services and interventions that would ensure the child’s safety and that children who have been removed from their homes will be in a permanent home as soon as possible; and
offering evidence and examining witnesses in court (Mason, 1996).
Within these broad functions GALs have a lot of latitude with regard to how they gather information. Some spend a lot of time talking with foster parents, foster children, teachers, etc., while others find out what they need to know without so much personal contact. Some want to be a part of the child’s life, others see their role as that of an objective third party who monitors the provision of services to the child.

Here is a list of all GAL offices in NC by county:
http://www.nccourts.org/Citizens/GAL/Documents/GALCountyContactListnew.pdf

You might be able to get a more "layman" answer by calling and asking to speak with someone, but I'm not sure.

Hope this helps some ...

 

[mamadi]

Is a mediator just someone assigned to help determine visitation schedules / custody arrangements ?

 

[Zephyr]

Is a mediator just someone assigned to help determine visitation schedules / custody arrangements ?

a mediator assists the parties in coming to agreements about custody, parenting time, transportation, etc etc etc......if the parties are able to come to agreements they then submit the agreement to the court to become the new parenting plan. Mediation is confidential and non-binding until the agreement becomes an order.

 

[casa]

a mediator assists the parties in coming to agreements about custody, parenting time, transportation, etc etc etc......if the parties are able to come to agreements they then submit the agreement to the court to become the new parenting plan. Mediation is confidential and non-binding until the agreement becomes an order.

Although it varies from state to state~ For example in CA Mediatior's write their report/recommendation & both parties receive copies of it and it is filed into the court record.

 

[casa]

A GAL is an attorney, appointed by the court, whose job it is to assess and testify to the best interests of the child/ren involved in a custody dispute - usually when the parents cannot seem to determine best interests on their own.

A GAL is not always an attorney. There are differences between a GAL, CASA & Minor's Attorney. However, in North Carolina if the GAL is not an attorney, an attorney must be assigned to work along with them. In other states (CA for example) a GAL doesn't have to be an attorney NOR work with an assigned attorney.

 

[mamadi]

If there is an attorney already then a GAL or mediator is not necessary right ?

 

[Zephyr]

If there is an attorney already then a GAL or mediator is not necessary right ?

GAL and mediator are not interchangeable....

 

[casa]

If there is an attorney already then a GAL or mediator is not necessary right ?

Wrong. They do completely different jobs. You've got it exactly backwards...if there is a GAL then there MUST be an attorney assigned to work along with them (in North Carolina)

 

[CJane]

If there is an attorney already then a GAL or mediator is not necessary right ?

In addition to what Casa said, the GAL works FOR THE CHILDREN not for either parent. It's very common for each parent to have an attorney, and a GAL ALSO be appointed to see to the CHILDREN'S BEST INTERESTS.

A mediator is completely different, but oftentimes mediation IS required.

 

[casa]

In addition to what Casa said, the GAL works FOR THE CHILDREN not for either parent. It's very common for each parent to have an attorney, and a GAL ALSO be appointed to see to the CHILDREN'S BEST INTERESTS.

A mediator is completely different, but oftentimes mediation IS required.

Good point. If both parties have an attorney in this case, and they petition for or are assigned a GAL...then they'll have 3 attorneys & a GAL.

 

[Zephyr]

Good point. If both parties have an attorney in this case, and they petition for or are assigned a GAL...then they'll have 3 attorneys & a GAL.

AND possibly a mediator as well.....

 

[casa]

AND possibly a mediator as well.....

And god forbid the judge order evaluations~ it'll be a 3 ring circus.

 

[mamadi]

I may be wrong on this (hhmmm- nothing new) but if a counselor is involved with the children then a GAL wouldn't necessary be needed right ? OR would it be best to have both ?