Will My Child Custody Case Need a Guardian Ad Litem?

 Posted on January 26, 2024 in Child Custody

During the process of divorce, child custody issues often arise. These issues are made more complex by the refusal of both parents to come to agreements on parenting plans, or one spouse is experiencing issues with substance abuse or situations that bring their ability to have custody of the child into question. In some cases, complex child custody issues need the assistance of a guardian ad litem to help advocate for the best interests of the shared child.

A Texas child custody lawyer can help review your child custody case and provide you with guidance on whether or not a guardian ad litem is needed.

What Is the Role of a Guardian Ad Litem?

A guardian ad litem is an advocate appointed by a court to represent a person's best interests. In a child custody case, a guardian ad litem advocates for the child's interests in any agreements regarding educational choices, custody plans, and medical or healthcare choices. With the help of a guardian ad litem, a complex child custody case that is highly contested can stay focused on the shared child's needs and best interests.

The guardian ad litem is important in many cases of divorce where the parents are having issues and struggling to agree about their child's needs. This individual has no relation to either parent and solely represents the children's best interests.

How Can I Avoid Complex Child Custody Issues?

Child custody cases can become a challenge to navigate as emotions are often high when children are involved. You can avoid complex child custody issues by working with your spouse to create a parenting plan as you start to pursue a divorce. Decisions you will need to include in your parenting plan will involve details about your child's education, healthcare, and the time the child will share with each parent.

An experienced Texas child custody attorney can help you create a fair parenting plan that considers your child's needs and each parent's desires for their shared child.

Contact a Travis County, TX Child Custody Attorney

Parents going through a divorce may find it hard to settle when it comes to child custody decisions. In some complex cases of child custody, a guardian ad litem must represent the child and advocate for their best interests. Contact an Austin, TX child custody lawyer at Powers and Kerr, PLLC to learn about your options for child custody in your divorce and when to involve a guardian ad litem. Contact 512-610-6199 for a consultation.