Guardian ad Litem

What is Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?

A Guardian ad Litem is a neutral professional appointed to investigate the facts and provide the court with objective recommendations regarding issues affecting a child, including parental responsibility, time-sharing, education, healthcare, safety, and overall well-being. The court may appoint a GAL on its own accord or at the request of either party. 

The investigation may include interviews with both parents, the child (when appropriate), teachers, family members, medical and mental health providers, and others involved in the child's life. It often involves reviewing records, observing parent-child interactions, and gathering information from multiple sources to help the court make informed decisions.

This investigation can take months, even years, and is intensive and often invasive. A GAL is typically appointed for the entirety of the family court case, which is often lengthy and expensive. To alleviate this cost, I offer an expedited investigation with a brief observation report to assist the court in a limited appearance manner. 

As a child psychologist, trauma-informed professional, Guardian ad Litem for over 20 years, and now family attorney, I bring both clinical and legal experience to every case. I understand the law, but more importantly, I understand children, family dynamics, and what truly serves a child's best interests.

That unique background allows me to evaluate a case from both perspectives: understanding the legal issues the court must decide and the psychological, developmental, and emotional needs of the child. I understand what matters legally, but I also recognize that the most important issues affecting children are often found in family dynamics, trauma, attachment, resilience, and the relationships that continue long after litigation ends.

Having spent two decades advocating for children, I recognize the difference between concerns that genuinely affect a child's best interests and conflict that stems from parental disputes. My role is not to take sides or amplify conflict, but to provide the court with thoughtful, objective, child-centered recommendations grounded in both evidence and experience.

Why Choose the Package?

Guardian ad Litem Initial Assessment Package: $4,000 Flat Fee

Sometimes the court doesn't need a six-month investigation. It simply needs the right professional asking the right questions in a focused, child-centered evaluation 

For families who need an experienced Guardian ad Litem to provide the court with an expedited, independent, and objective snapshot of the issues affecting their child without the expense or delay of a full, long-term appointment.

What's Included

  • Court appointment for a 21-day limited appearance

  • Review of pleadings and key documents

  • Up to 5 targeted interviews, which may include:

    • Parents

    • Child (when appropriate)

    • Teacher

    • Therapist

    • Other collateral witness

  • One home visit or parent-child observation (optional if appropriate)

  • Consultation with counsel as needed

  • A concise 1–2 page Initial Observations Report identifying:

    • Immediate concerns

    • Child strengths and needs

    • Areas requiring additional investigation

    • Practical recommendations

    • Whether a full Guardian ad Litem investigation appears necessary

What's Not Included

  • Testimony

  • Trial preparation

  • Ongoing investigation beyond 21 days

  • Additional interviews beyond the package

  • Extensive document review

  • Depositions

Designed for cases involving:

  • High-conflict parenting

  • Communication breakdowns

  • Parenting disputes

  • School concerns

  • Relocation issues

  • Early concerns regarding a child's well-being

  • Cases where the court needs focused information before ordering a full investigation

Why this is different

Unlike a traditional Guardian ad Litem investigation, which can take months and cost many thousands of dollars, this focused assessment provides the court and the parties with an experienced, objective perspective early in the case. In many situations, identifying the real issues sooner can reduce conflict, narrow disputes, and help families resolve matters more efficiently.

How It Works

  1. Scheduling or Consultation

scheduled on HubSpot, 30 minutes and $250. There will be times I skip this consult altogether if I know of the parties, asked by a judge, etc. This is just for those who come across my website and want me to be a GAL. This same “30 minute” timespot will be for “GAL Suitability” or “Mediation Inquiry” and always be the same price and asking the same.

Schedule Consult

Question:  Please share any additional information you believe would help me make the most of our time together.

2. Contracting

Then, and ONLY then, will they get the below email with three steps to do (engagement letter, payment, intake form)  I will sometimes bypass Step 1’s consult call if it’s a case that a judge has requested or I’ve otherwise learned of the parties outside of a cold call on my website. 

Dear Counsel and Parties,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me regarding the potential appointment of a Guardian ad Litem in your case.  I intentionally limit the number of Guardian ad Litem appointments I accept so that each family receives the time, attention, and thoughtful investigation these cases deserve. 

  1. Sign the GAL Engagement letter (which I will have to format in Docusign or AdobeSign). 

  2. Pay the $4,000 flat-fee limited appointment; payment may be split up by parties: 

  3. Please visit this personalized link to complete my confidential online intake questionnaire (Internal Note: need to figure out how to do this form online in a personalized and confidential way).

My investigative process will not begin until:

  • Both parties have signed the Engagement Agreement;

  • The flat fee has been paid in full; and

  • The Court has entered the Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.

This process ensures that I begin each appointment fully prepared, with a clear understanding of the issues and sufficient time to focus on what matters most—the best interests of the child. My brief 1-2 page initial observation and recommendation report will be submitted to the court at the conclusion of the 21-day limited appearance.

A clearer path begins with a conversation.

Request a consultation to determine the right next step for your family, case, organization, or professional audience.