Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Gaurdian Ad Litem

Our custody hearing is set for Wednesday the 28th of this month. The Gaurdian Ad Litum has said that he is unsure of what the kids want (kids are 13,11,10) because they say one thing when they are with their father and I and another when they are with their mother.

Their mother has threatened the kids that if they tell the attorney or the judge that they want to live with their father she will move away and never see them again, that they can not bring any material goods, and that they are betraying her. The kids feel awful, and have changed many of their complaints because of her manipulation. Of course she has also threatened that if they tell anyone that she will no longer love them so they have just stopped talking to their Gaurdian.

Is there anyway to get the Gaurdian to truly see what is happening with out pushing the kids ? They love their mother but hate the man she married and are very unhappy in their home.

Any advice ? We are taking the kids to see the Gaurdian on Sunday for their last chat before court.


Asked on 9/14/05, 10:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Gaurdian Ad Litem

You need to make your GAL aware of this. As a GAL, I use games and other taught methods to get to the truth of what children feel. There may also be need for the children to speak to a therapist so you can get a professional opinion of what their true feelings are. Your GAL can request an evaluation to be prepared for Court.

Good luck.

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Answered on 9/15/05, 7:53 am


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