I am a long time friend of Dad. He is my brother’s best friend.
Is a GAL automatically appointed when a couple is moving through a divorce, and a subsequent custody battle? Do the parents request it? Bigger question for me (legal stranger but occasionally involved), can I whisper in the court’s ear, that these kids need their own representation?
They filed for divorce and, of course, both want the kids. Children Services was involved two years ago, but the children were never removed. Fortunately, they complied with all recommendations. Dad is leery of outside involvement because of this, as may be mom.
Also, Dad adopted the eldest at infancy. (4 kids – 12, 10 year old twins and 8). I told him legally that is irrelevant, but he’s concerned. Married over 10 years (considered long term in our state). Both work and both have been “primary give givers” throughout the years.