A Guardian Ad Litem, often referred to as the GAL, is a specific court position The role of a GAL is to conduct an independent investigation of the pertinent facts, make a determination of the best interest of the client, and represent the client in court. A GAL is utilized when the client is not competent due to age or infirmity. GALs appear in Child In Need of Care cases, Divorce child custody cases, and Guardianship cases. Because the GAL to some degree stands in the shoes of the client, a client may have both a GAL and an attorney in some cases where the Best Interest of the client conflicts with appropriate defense argument.
A GAL in Kansas is required to have education in such areas as: dynamics of abuse and neglect, cultural awareness, communications skills, investigation skills, advocacy skills, child development, mental health issues, elder law, community resources, special education law, substance abuse issues, school law, and code for children law.
A GAL has additional Continuing Education Requirements specializing in the listed requirements when appointed by the court.