When a Petition for Guardianship of an Adult with an Alledged Disability is filed, the Court will often times appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to conduct an investigation. The GAL is a local attorney who is responsible for representing the best interests of the Respondent in the guardianship proceeding. Since the Judge cannot physically go out to meet with each of the parties involved, he/she relies on the reports of the GAL. The GAL is essentially considered the “eyes and ears” of the Court.
The first task of the GAL is usually to meet with the Respondent (the person with the disability). The GAL will advise the Respondent of his/her rights in the proceedings and ask various questions to ascertain the opinions of the Respondent. Often times the GAL will also want to meet with the person who filed the underlying Petition for Guardianship, as well as other family members and caregivers of the Respondent. Once the investigation has been completed, the GAL will submit a report to the Court that includes any information which the Judge may find relevant. The GAL will also make a recommendation as to whether the guardianship should be approved and who should serve the role of Guardian.
It should be noted that the GAL represents the best interests of the Respondent. Sometimes what the Respondent wants is not necessarily what is in his/her best interests. In that case the Judge may appoint another attorney to represent the Respondent. If the Respondent objects to the guardianship, the GAL will usually serve as the key witness at trial.