Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: visition/custody

A GAL is a guardian ad litem. They are appointed by the court, and most often also an attorney. Their job is to investigate as to what is in the "best interest of the child." They will meet with you, your child and dad. They might also meet with people from your child's school, doctors office, friends, family etc to determine this and make a written reccomendation to the court.

If you have any further questions please contact me.

Re: visition/custody

G.A.L. is a Guardian ad litem. Their purpose is to determine what is the best interest of the child/children. The GAL can be an attorney, doctor, etc. They will met with the children, parents (usually separately), they may speak to teachers, etc. Their analysis, determinations (in their report) are considered by the court only and not held as a decision in your case. Also, the report by the GAL will be confidential and not public information. If you have an attorney, they will be provided with a copy for your review. Also, the court does not place the report in the open file.

Hope this is helpful.

Sincerely, Maria Murber

visition/custody & GAL

Let me add my two cents.

A GAL is appointed usually by request of one of the parties. The appointment is either investigatory or to represent the interest of your son.

Their purpose is described in the Court order. Obviously something must have happened to cause this to occur.

If you contact me, I can help you understand the reason, and your options in dealing with the GAL.