Stillings & Buchinger, LLC

Wisconsin Guardian Ad Litem

Child Custody Matters

If court ordered mediation fails to resolve the child custody issues between divorcing parents, then the Court will likely appoint a Guardian Ad Litem.

what is a guardian ad litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (often times referred to as a “GAL”) is an attorney that is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child or children in a legal proceeding, such as for an adoption, in a divorce, during proceedings for termination of parental rights or in paternity lawsuits.

does the guardian ad litem represent the child?

A Guardian ad Litem is often mistakenly thought to be the child’s attorney, but her role isn’t to represent the child’s desires; rather, she advocates for the child’s best interests.

when is a guardian ad litem appointed?

While the court can appoint a Guardian ad Litem at any time during the proceedings, courts usually order the parents into mediation, and appoint the Guardian ad Litem after mediation fails to resolve the disputed issues.

who pays for the guardian ad litem?

The Parties will be required to pay the Guardian ad Litem's fees, as well as the costs of any additional studies required by the Court. Examples of those types of studies include assessments of the child's living conditions, psychological evaluations, or therapy.

wisconsin attorneys

Attorney Gordon E. Stillings and Attorney Melody Buchinger, the founders of Stillings & Buchinger, LLC offer a free initial consultation.

The attorneys at Stillings & Buchinger, LLC represent people throughout eastern and central Wisconsin. :: Wisconsin Counties Served ::