Court Opinion

ID: 9732704
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 16:32:24.338467+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:31.762694
License: Public Domain

Beilfuss, J.
(concurring). I agree that in this case the matter should be remanded and a guardian ad, litem appointed to represent the minor children because of special concern for the future welfare of the minor children who have not been adequately protected.
However, I believe the opinion as written leaves very little room for the exercise of discretion by the trial court in determining whether a guardian ad litem should be appointed. In many cases where custody of minors is at issue, the parties are well represented by able counsel who recognize that the best interests of the children are the standard the judge must follow, and prepare and present their cases accordingly. Further, the court often has the impartial advice of the family court commissioner and social workers of welfare agencies. In these instances the investigations and trial participation and opinions of a guardian ad litem can be cumulative and redundant and a source of substantial additional costs and fees that parties can ill afford. These funds could better be used for the best interests of the children in many of those cases where there is much to do for the children and not enough to do with, even though the parties cannot be classified as indigent. I would require a clear showing of abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court before we reverse for failure to appoint a guardian ad litem.
I am authorized to state that Mr. Justice CONNOR T. Hansen joins this concurring opinion.