Source: http://www.childrenslegalrightsjournal.com/childrenslegalrightsjournal/volume_37_issue_1?pg=129
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 10:30:30+00:00

Document:
124 Children’s Legal Rights Journal [Vol. 37: 1 2017] In Michigan, the type of representation is a Lawyer Guardian ad Litem. The GAL owes a duty to the child and not the court and advocates for the child’s best interest. The GAL must be an attorney. 261 In Minnesota, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL acts in the best interest of the child and must consider the child’s wishes as appropriate. 262 In Mississippi, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL’s role is defined by the appointing judge and the judge determines whether the GAL must be an attorney. 263 In Missouri, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL shall be the legal representative of the child. 264 In Montana, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL may be an attorney. Duties include: Investigating the facts related to the child's support, care, and custody; interviewing/observing the child; making written reports; appearing and participating in all proceedings necessary to adequately represent the child; making recommendations to the court; other duties as directed. The role of the attorney can be to advocate for the child, but unless specifically indicated in the order, duty to represent the best interests of the child. The GAL does not have to be an attorney. 265 In Nebraska, the types of representation include: Attorney; Guardian ad Litem. The role of the Attorney is to protect the interests of the child. The role of the attorney is that of an advocate and not of a GAL. The primary function of the guardian ad litem is to give the judge the necessary information by way of admissible evidence so the judge may issue an order which is in the best interests of the ward and which will be upheld on appeal. The GAL may be an attorney, but does not serve as an attorney.266 In New Hampshire, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The role of the GAL is to act in the best interest of the child. The GAL can waive privilege, but only if they reasonably believe the waiver to be in the child’s best interest. The GAL does not have to be an attorney. 267 In New Jersey, the type of representation is a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL shall file a written report with the court setting forth findings and recommendations and the basis thereof, and shall be available to testify and shall be subject to cross-examination thereon. In addition to the preparation of a written report and the obligation to testify and be cross-examined thereon, the 260 MASS. GEN. LAWS. ANN. ch. 119, § 29 (West 2011). 261 MICH. COMP. LAWS ANN. § 722.24 (West, Westlaw through P.A. 2016); MICH. COMP. LAWS ANN. § 712A.17d (West, Westlaw through P.A. 2016). 262 MINN. STAT. ANN. § 518.165 (West 2013). 263 MISS. CODE. ANN. § 93-5-23 (West, Westlaw through 2017 Reg. Sess.). 264 MO. ANN. STAT. § 452.423 (West 2009). 265 MONT. CODE ANN. § 40-4-205 (West, Westlaw through chapters eff. Mar. 15, 2017, 2017 sess.); In re Marriage of Hammill, 732 P.2d 403 (1987); Jacobsen v. Thomas, 100 P.3d 106, 107-08. 266 NEB. REV. STAT. ANN. § 42-358 (West, Westlaw through legis. eff. Feb. 16, 2017); Betz v. Betz, 575 N.W.2D 406, 409 (1998). 267 N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. § 461-A: 16 (2015); In re Peirano, 930 A.2d 1165 (2007).

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