Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: Guardian Ad Lidem (?)

Think of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) as the lawyers represtning the child. They have as much advisory power as the attorneys for the parents. They can agree or disagree to different alternatives on teh child's behalf like the parent's lawyer can agree to stipulate to certain facts or not.

The Judge is still the one to make the decisions that the legislature left up to discretion in a divorce. The GAL's advise is often given much weight by judges in making decisions that could alter the child's life.

A GAL has little decision making power over the action sof the parents. But, their opinion being respected by the Court can alter the ability of a parent's attorney to get the outcome that parent wants. In that way, they do have some power over the parents.

Good Luck