Starting in May, courts across the state will have new guidelines for appointing guardians ad litem.
The provisional rules adopted by the Tennessee Supreme Court call for fewer appointments of GALs to represent the interests of children or adults with diminished mental capacity in court proceedings.
Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder of Memphis also said the rules will better define what their role is in the court proceedings, such as divorce or child custody matters.
Holder, in a written statement, said the new rule, 40A, “should result in a reduction in the frequency of appointments of guardians ad litem.”
Holder: “They also give those appointed as GALs clearer direction about the duties a GAL must perform as well as limitations on a GAL’s involvement in a case. The proper role of the GAL is to represent the best interests of children involved in divorce and other custody proceedings, and this rule gives clear guidance about how to properly carry out that duty and should reduce the overall costs to the parties.”
The guidelines are posted on the Web site of the state Administrative Office of Courts, www.tncourts.gov
The provisional rules adopted by the Tennessee Supreme Court call for fewer appointments of GALs to represent the interests of children or adults with diminished mental capacity in court proceedings.
Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder of Memphis also said the rules will better define what their role is in the court proceedings, such as divorce or child custody matters.
Holder, in a written statement, said the new rule, 40A, “should result in a reduction in the frequency of appointments of guardians ad litem.”
Holder: “They also give those appointed as GALs clearer direction about the duties a GAL must perform as well as limitations on a GAL’s involvement in a case. The proper role of the GAL is to represent the best interests of children involved in divorce and other custody proceedings, and this rule gives clear guidance about how to properly carry out that duty and should reduce the overall costs to the parties.”
The guidelines are posted on the Web site of the state Administrative Office of Courts, www.tncourts.gov
Full Article and Source:
High Court Takes Conservative Stance on GALs
High Court Takes Conservative Stance on GALs
5 comments:
Wrong - GAL's don't represent the child or elder; they are an arm of the court.
Fewer is better as they bill their "services" to the ward.
GALS often direct the child to the highest bidder.
Right, Anonymous 2. It's not about the kids (most of the time) -it's about what they can make off them.
The GAL in our guardianship case was as efficient, alert and as effective as a bucket of hair.
They are part of the loop of crooks in the probate racket.
Justice in the probate court system: is blind, deaf and mute with bulging wallets.
Will these new guidelines be followed? Very unlikely.
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