Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Family Law Appointed Guardian ad litem
Please help! My wife is going through a visitation battle with her sons father (never married). During the course of the battle they agreed upon a GAL due to verbal and physical abuse was in question. We met with the GAL who told us all the things she would be doing ie:meeting w/ teacher, counselors, visiting both homes, etc). We paid our half of the retainer, but were never told about additional costs or fees. On top of that, the GAL did none of the things she said she would. No calls to teachers, counselors, no home visits, etc. Several months later we received a letter stating she was taking my wife to court for additional fees. When we received the itemized bill we found that she was charging us for things that the father was causing. Scheduled and missed appointments, lenthy phone calls. Question: How can she do this? We never signed an agreement stating her fees and that we would be responsible for the fathers inability to show up for appointments. Also, how can she charge us extra when she didn't even do the things she said she would? We don't have money to hire an attorney to contest this. She is an attorney and we have no experience in law. We feel that we were taken advantage of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Family Law Appointed Guardian ad litem
There's nothing more expensive than not hiring a lawyer, and you may lose because you don't have one.
Judges are very careful about making sure GALs get paid. You have a good point in that you shouldn't have to pay for the father's missed appointments. Your other points will probably not get you anywhere. I assume you lost on the report, otherwise you wouldn't be complaining. If you won, gladly pay the GAL and get on with you case.
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