Indiana father with his two daughters, representing Guardian Ad Litem advocacy for children

Guardian Ad Litem · Indiana

Indiana Guardian Ad Litem Attorneys Advocating for a Child’s Best Interests

When abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a contested custody case puts a child at the center of a court file, an Indiana court can appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to speak for that child. At Webster & Garino LLC, we serve as Guardians Ad Litem and represent parents whose case involves one.

We serve families throughout Hamilton, Marion, and Boone Counties, including Westfield, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, and surrounding communities.

or call (317) 565-1818

Indiana father with his two daughters, representing Guardian Ad Litem advocacy for children
WHO WE HELP

Who We Help With Guardian Ad Litem Matters

Every case is different. We work across a wide range of Guardian Ad Litem situations, always with the same goal: an outcome that genuinely serves the child.

  • Parents asking the court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem
  • Parents whose case already has a Guardian Ad Litem assigned
  • Families in contested custody or parenting time disputes
  • Cases involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment
  • Courts and attorneys seeking an experienced GAL appointment
  • Relatives and caregivers concerned about a child’s safety

A Guardian Ad Litem gives the court an independent view of what a child actually needs. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly for that scrutiny and make sure your side of the story is fully documented.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

What Our Clients Have to Say…

50+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

3

COUNTIES SERVED

100%

FOCUSED ON FAMILIES

2

OFFICE LOCATIONS

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Why Representation Matters in a GAL Case

A Guardian Ad Litem’s report carries real weight with an Indiana judge. Understanding what a GAL looks for, and presenting your household accurately and calmly, can shape the outcome of a custody or child welfare case.

What a Guardian Ad Litem Does

What Does a Guardian Ad Litem Do in Indiana?

A Guardian Ad Litem is an officer of the court appointed to represent a child. Here is what that role involves.

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Independent Investigation

A GAL interviews the child, the parents, and others involved, and reviews records to understand the child’s actual circumstances.

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Reports & Recommendations

The GAL reports findings to the court and recommends the arrangement that best serves the child’s interests.

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Voice for the Child

A GAL represents the child’s best interests throughout the case, separate from either parent’s position.

HOW WE HELP

A Complete Approach to Guardian Ad Litem Matters

We guide you through every stage of a case involving a Guardian Ad Litem, from the request for appointment to the final order.

01

Initial Consultation

We listen to your situation, explain how Indiana courts use Guardian Ad Litem appointments, and lay out realistic options and outcomes.

02

Requesting Appointment

When an independent voice would help your case, we file the motion asking the court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem.

03

Preparing for the GAL

We help you prepare for interviews and home visits and gather the records, schedules, and third-party contacts a GAL will want.

04

Working With the GAL

We communicate with the Guardian Ad Litem professionally, supply documentation promptly, and keep the focus on your child.

05

Responding to the Report

If a report is incomplete or inaccurate, we address it directly, cross-examine the Guardian Ad Litem, and present evidence to the court.

06

Serving as Guardian Ad Litem

Our attorneys also accept GAL appointments, bringing courtroom experience and genuine care to the children we represent.

Indiana Law & Local Experience

Guardian Ad Litem Appointments Under Indiana Law

Indiana authorizes courts to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem, also known as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, to represent a child in court. Some are trained volunteers, while most Guardian Ad Litem appointments go to practicing attorneys.

A parent may ask the court for an appointment when an outside party’s observations would give the judge more accurate information before ruling. Once appointed, the Guardian Ad Litem is an officer of the court answerable to the judge, not to either parent.

We serve clients throughout Central Indiana: Westfield, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Fishers.

Indiana Guardian Ad Litem attorney meeting with a family at Webster and Garino

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Guardian Ad Litem Cases

We know you have questions. Here are answers to the concerns Indiana parents most often bring to our office about Guardian Ad Litem appointments.

What does a Guardian Ad Litem do in Indiana?

A Guardian Ad Litem investigates a child’s circumstances, interviews the people involved, reviews relevant records, and reports to the court with a recommendation about the arrangement that best serves the child.

Can I ask the court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem?

Yes. A parent can file a motion asking the court to appoint one, and courts often grant it when an independent perspective would help the judge decide a contested custody or child welfare question.

Is a Guardian Ad Litem always an attorney?

Not always. Indiana also uses trained volunteer advocates, sometimes called Court Appointed Special Advocates, though most appointments in contested cases go to practicing attorneys.

Does the judge have to follow the GAL report?

No, but it carries significant weight. A judge is not bound by the recommendation, which is why it matters to respond carefully and, where necessary, challenge the findings with evidence.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Let’s Make Sure Your Child’s Interests Are Heard

You do not have to navigate a Guardian Ad Litem case alone. Our attorneys make the process clear, prepare you thoroughly, and keep the focus on your child.

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Serving Hamilton County · Marion County · Boone County · Westfield · Indianapolis · Carmel · Noblesville · Zionsville · Fishers · Cicero