Guardian Ad Litem

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A guardian ad litem in Indiana is appointed by a court to serve the best interests of a child or alleged incapacitated adult in a variety of legal proceedings, including child custody, divorce, paternity, guardianships, and adoptions.

A guardian ad litem investigates and reports to the court information gathered via a variety of methods including interviews, home visit observations, and review of documents. An attorney appointed as a guardian ad litem does not maintain an attorney-client confidentiality, given that the nature of the appointment is to gather and relay information to the court. A guardian ad litem serving through the Hamilton County GAL/CASA Program may be represented by an attorney assigned for her appointment. 

Recommendations for issues such as custody may be made in the best interests of the child. A court may appoint a guardian ad litem in a guardianship proceeding to investigate and report regarding the circumstances and status of the child or alleged incapacitated adult. Services for the child or alleged incapacitated adult and family members may also be recommended.

A guardian ad litem may be requested by counsel and mediators to consult in resolving issues between parties. Reports may be submitted to the court and the guardian ad litem may appear at hearings.