Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee
Gaurdian ad lietum
We had a court appointed gaurdian ad lietum for our children during a parenting plan process. It has been 2 years and 8 months and we just recieved a bill. We were in contact with her personally maybe 10 times. We don't feel that we are responsible for her fees. We've had other people tell us that we are not, because she was court appointed and the state was paying her. Is she entitled to double compensation? Is she being paid by the state? Do we have to pay this outrageous bill that she has sent us?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Gaurdian ad lietum
You have not given enough info to answer your question. The court order appointing the guardian and/or the court order at the conclusion of your case probably says something about your fees. You must follow the court order or contact your lawyer if you think there is a problem with the order. If this was through a divorce, the state probably was not paying her. All Guardian ad Litem's are court appointed as far as I know so that has nothing to do with who pays her. I know in Shelby County divorces, the court awards the GAL a fee and determines who is responsible. Ultimately, the Guardian should get paid for her important work.