Opinion ID: 1263508
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Issue V: Medical GAL

Text: Father argues the family court erred in refusing to appoint a medical GAL. We disagree. The authority to appoint a GAL solely for medical determinations comes from S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1545 (Supp.2005). That statute gives the family court absolute discretion in determining who will serve as a GAL. Furthermore, the family court may appoint a GAL without consent of both parties when the court will likely not be fully informed about the facts of the case and there is a substantial dispute which necessitates a guardian ad litem. S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1545(A)(1). Under S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1549 (Supp.2005), the duties and responsibilities of a GAL already include authority to review medical records and the duty to conduct an independent, balanced, and impartial investigation of facts relevant to the situation of the child and the family. Accordingly, the failure of the family court to appoint a GAL strictly for medical advisement did not constitute an abuse of discretion.