Opinion ID: 3172171
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard Applied by the Guardian ad Litem

Text: [¶14] Simpson first contends that the guardian ad litem’s analysis, which was adopted by both the referee and the court, was improperly premised on Washington law and guidelines, rather than on Maine’s statute prescribing the best interest analysis. See 19-A M.R.S. § 1653(3). [¶15] Pursuant to 19-A M.R.S. § 1507(4) (2015), a “guardian ad litem shall use the standard of the best interest of the child as set forth in section 1653” when reporting findings and recommendations to a court. Contrary to Simpson’s contentions, the guardian ad litem fully complied with this requirement. During his testimony, the guardian ad litem stated that Washington’s guidelines are 9 informative on child development and are relevant in this action only to the extent that they address factors included in Maine’s statute. Further, in his report, the guardian ad litem explicitly stated that “our state should not and cannot follow the laws or guidelines of another state.” The guardian ad litem thereby expressly demonstrated a clear understanding that his analysis was to be governed by the best interest standard established in Maine law. [¶16] The substance of the guardian ad litem’s analysis also demonstrates his faithfulness to Maine law. His detailed seriatim findings methodically follow the best interest factors enumerated in section 1653(3), with particular emphasis placed on section 1653(3)(B) because the children had come to depend chiefly on Wechsler as their primary caretaker for their “care and security,” and on section 1653(3)(E) because primary rather than shared residential care would provide the most stable living arrangement given the children’s ages and developmental needs. [¶17] We have noted that “the most effective challenge to the quality, completeness, or competence of a guardian ad litem’s work will be accomplished through cross-examination of the GAL at trial.” Adoption of T.D., 2014 ME 36, ¶ 18, 87 A.3d 726. Here, at the hearing before the referee, Simpson had an opportunity to cross-examine the guardian ad litem on any and all aspects of his recommendations. The referee was then responsible for evaluating the guardian ad litem’s testimony, which had been subject to challenge on cross-examination, to 10 determine the weight she felt it deserved. Neither the evidentiary process nor the referee’s treatment of the guardian ad litem’s report and recommendations was affected by error.