Guardian ad Litem FAQ
For families
What is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?
A GAL is a court-appointed professional whose job is to help the judge understand what is in a child's best interests in a family law case.
In Florida, a GAL is not the child's attorney and does not represent either parent. Instead, the GAL acts as an independent, neutral fact-finder focused on the child's safety, stability, and well-being.
A GAL typically will:
• Meet with the child (in an age-appropriate way)
• Interview both parents and other important adults in the child's life
• Speak with professionals such as teachers, doctors, therapists, and daycare providers (as appropriate and permitted)
• Review records (school, medical, counseling, law enforcement, DCF, etc., depending on the case)
• Observe parent-child interactions when helpful
• Identify strengths and concerns in each home environment
• Provide a written report and/or court testimony with recommendations to assist the judge
The goal is simple: give the court a clearer, child-focused picture of what's happening and what arrangement best supports the child moving forward.
Does Our Guardian ad Litem serve my county?
Yes. Our Guardian ad Litem serves families in all 67 Florida counties and all 20 judicial circuits, from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. Our offices are in Alachua (North Florida) and Tarpon Springs (Pinellas County), and our team has worked in courthouses across the state, including Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Columbia (Lake City) and Broward (Fort Lauderdale).
Do you travel to my county for home visits?
Yes. We travel anywhere in Florida to complete in-person home visits at each residence. Once the home visits are done, follow-up meetings can take place by secure video chat, which keeps the process moving and helps keep costs down for families who live far from our offices.
Do I need a court order to use OurGAL, or can I hire a GAL privately?
Yes, you need a court order to use OurGAL services. OurGAL only accepts court-appointed cases. We do not take privately retained ("private pay") GAL cases.
Why does OurGAL only accept court-appointed cases?
Because our work is designed to be officially tied to your court case. A court order:
• defines the scope of what the GAL is evaluating
• authorizes the GAL's role and access (as allowed by the court)
• sets payment terms and expectations for both parties
• ensures the court understands the GAL's assignment and purpose
This protects the child, the process, and everyone involved.
What does a GAL actually do in a Florida custody case?
A GAL is a neutral, child-focused investigator/evaluator who helps the court understand what arrangement best supports the child. Florida law authorizes a GAL to interview people with relevant information and make written or oral recommendations to the court.
What does a GAL not do?
A GAL does not:
• Represent either parent
• Give legal advice (we're not your lawyer)
• Force the other parent to cooperate (we document noncooperation and use court processes when appropriate)
• Provide therapy (we may recommend services, but we don't treat)
• Enforce the court order
How long does the GAL process take?
Cases generally take 6 - 9 months, depending on: how quickly records are produced, how many collateral contacts exist (teachers/medical/therapy), travel needs, and how high-conflict the case is. Court deadlines and hearing dates can speed things up or slow things down which are outside of the GAL's control.
How do I get OurGAL appointed as the GAL?
In most cases, the path looks like this:
• File a Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem (or ask your attorney to file it). Look under the resource tab for the Florida Supreme court form.
• Ask the court to specifically appoint OurGAL by name.
• Submit a proposed order that includes the scope, deadlines (if any), and payment terms. Find OurGAL's preferred court order under OurGAL resources.
What should the court order include so there are no delays?
A clean appointment order typically includes:
• Who is appointed: OurGAL, LLC
• Scope: what issues are being evaluated (time-sharing, parental responsibility, safety concerns, transitions, communication, etc.)
• Authority: who the GAL may contact and what records/releases are required
• Deadlines: report or update timelines (if the court wants one)
• Payment terms: retainer, allocation between parties, and ongoing payment structure
I'm not represented by an attorney, can I still request a GAL appointment?
Yes. Self-represented parties can request a GAL appointment by filing the appropriate motion and proposed order.
What documents should I gather before the first meeting?
Bring what you already have. The most useful documents are:
• Current court orders (temporary/final), parenting plan, and any pending motions
• School records (attendance, discipline, IEP/504 if applicable)
• Medical/therapy provider info and key records if relevant
• Police reports/injunctions (if applicable)
• A timeline of major events (short and factual)
• Screenshots/exports from co-parenting apps if they show patterns (not isolated moments)
Will the GAL talk to teachers, doctors, therapists, daycare, or family members?
Yes, when it's relevant and appropriate. Florida law specifically allows a GAL to seek access to records and information needed to evaluate the child's welfare.
Will the GAL do home visits?
Yes. Home visits are completed at each residence. This helps the GAL understand the child's living arrangements and the dynamics of each home including relationships between household members, routines, safety concerns, and special needs support.
How does the GAL interview children without putting them in the middle?
We use age-appropriate, non-leading conversations. We don't ask kids to "pick a parent." The goal is to understand the child's lived experience such as routine, stressors, relationships, school life and to reduce pressure on the child.
What happens if one parent refuses to participate or won't provide records?
We document it and keep moving with what can be verified. Noncooperation often becomes a data point the court can consider. If the case is under a court order, the court can also compel cooperation through standard court processes.
Will the GAL tell the court everything my child says?
Not "everything," but anything relevant to the child's welfare may be summarized in findings.
Is what I tell the GAL confidential?
A GAL is not the same as your attorney or therapist. You should assume information you share may be used in the GAL's analysis and may appear in a report or testimony if it's relevant. (Sensitive information is handled carefully, but this is a court-involved role.)
Can a GAL recommend supervised time-sharing or restrictions?
Yes, if the facts support safety-focused structure. Recommendations are based on what is consistent with the child's best interests and risk level, not on punishment.
How do you handle false allegations and "he said/she said" situations?
We don't "vote." We triangulate using documents, third-party sources, timelines, consistency over time, and objective markers (school/medical, law enforcement, treatment records). When something can't be proven either way, we say so, clearly.
What does a GAL report usually include?
Typically: case background, sources reviewed, interview summaries, timeline findings, child-centered analysis, and recommendations.
For legal professionals
How do I become a Guardian ad Litem with OurGAL?
Visit GALmanager.com and complete the application to join our statewide network.
Do I need to be certified?
All GALs must complete orientation, ongoing training, and meet local qualifications. Details provided upon application.
Is a background check required?
Yes. All GALs must complete a Level 2 background check before being assigned to any case.
Can I work part-time or take cases in only certain counties?
Yes. You choose your service area, and only receive referrals in counties you accept.
How much do GALs get paid?
Compensation depends on the number of active cases and client income levels. Details provided after onboarding.
Can I still work independently outside of OurGAL?
Yes. OurGAL does not require exclusivity.