Advocate

• A guardian ad litem represents the rights of a child and advocates for the child's best interest in all court proceedings. Parent have their own court representatives. A guardian ad litem solely represent the child's interests. Courts generally define a child's best interest as those things that ensure emotional and physical safety in a stable, supportive home life that encourages health and proper development. Using information they collect through their investigation, GAL's advise the court about the best way of achieving this.
  
  

Investigate

• The guardian ad litem investigates and collects information that helps develop recommendations for the court. She interview the childs, the parents or any other important people in the child's life. As part of the interview process, GALs usually visit the home and assess it. They obtain and review records from schools, social services, doctors and hospitals, psychologists, law enforcement and the courts. They also observe and document how the child interacts with each parent separately.
  
  

Facilitate

• The guardian ad litem facilitates communication and shares information between all participants, including the court, lawyers, social services, parents and other involved professionals. He communicates directly with the child and makes sure the child understands the various court proceedings. Part of a GAL's job includes minimizing discord between parents about issues involving their children. However, he does not mediate and must avoid the appearance of taking sides. A guardian ad litem also assesses if the circumstances call for a psychological evaluation, counseling or other special services and if needed can file a motion requesting such services.
  
  

Monitoring

• The guardian ad litem monitors the entire court process and attends all court proceedings. The monitoring process includes ensuring that all relevant information is received and shared with the proper parties. The guardian ad litem monitors whether those involved observe all temporary orders that concern the family. She also monitors the child's involvement throughout the entire process and when possible, shields him from legal wrangling and unnecessary strife.