Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

gurdian ad litum

In a divorce case in the state of CT, how do you petition to get a GAL appointed at no cost (I am currently unemployed). My children's rights are not being protected because the mother in this case is allowign her mentally ill mother to care for the children as primary care giver. Do you have to be an attorney to be a GAL, to you have to be a CT attorney? Can I, their father, be appointed GAL (probably not, but I do not know)


Asked on 6/06/09, 7:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Linda Subbloie Linda A. Subbloie, Esq.

Re: gurdian ad litum

You have to file a motion in your case to appoint a GAL. Usually, but not all of the time, a GAL is an attorney. The court will choose someone from its list if the parties are unable to agree on a particular person. No, you can not be the GAL. The GAL must be neutral. You would have to apply to the court for the state to pay the GAL fees. You should make that part of the motion you file.

You could also file a motion asking the court to prohibit your spouse from leaving the children with her mentally ill mother, in addition to the motion for a GAL. Why would her mother be the primary care-giver anyway? Why aren't you? You could ask that the children reside with you.

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Answered on 6/06/09, 8:15 am


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