Tag Archive for: guardian ad litem

Contested Adoptions

If the natural parent(s) do not agree with the adoption, there is a hearing to determine if their rights should be involuntarily terminated. In any contested adoption, an attorney must be appointed to represent the interests of the adoptee(s). This person is often referred to as a Guardian Ad Litem. An attorney may also be appointed for the parent contesting the adoption. In addition to determining whether grounds exist to involuntarily terminate a natural parent’s rights, the court must also consider the needs and welfare of the proposed adoptee(s). This is often where the role of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is most important.

The GAL should ascertain the existence or extent of any emotional bond between the natural parent and child as well as potential consequence of severing that bond. A parent’s representation of love and affection for a child without further corroboration, are not sufficient to prevent termination of their rights based on the best interests of the child. The GAL may also weigh in as to whether the adoption proceeding would be in the child’s best interests and whether the benefit of adoption outweighs any harm from the termination. Other parties, such as social workers involved in the case, can also offer an opinion as to the welfare of the children and any possibility of irreparable harm in severing the parent-child relationship. If a final decree of termination is entered by the court, the case may proceed with adoption.

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Counsel for Child in Adoption

The adoptee may be appointed an attorney to represent their interests in the context of an adoption matter. Specifically, if a petition for involuntary termination of the natural parent(s)’ rights is pending. When presiding over a petition for involuntary termination, the court must consider the needs and welfare of the child(ren) involved. A major factor is the emotional bond between the parent and child and potential consequence of severing that bond. A parent’s representation of love and affection for a child without further corroboration, are not sufficient to prevent termination of their rights based on the best interests of the child.

The role of the attorney appointed for the adoptee(s) is to elicit and relay the position of the children involved. This method of expressing the children’s preference minimizes additional trauma that can result from actually participating in the litigation within the courtroom. The attorney may also weigh in as to whether the adoption proceeding would be in the child’s best interests and whether the benefit of adoption outweighs any harm from the termination. Other parties, such as social workers involved in the case, can also offer an opinion as to the welfare of the children and any possibility of irreparable harm in severing the parent-child relationship.

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Mental Incapacity in Divorce Case

Section 3308 of the Divorce Code provides for an action in divorce where the defendant is suffering from a mental disorder. In practice, however, seeking a divorce where one of the parties is mentally incapacitated can raise unique issues. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure discuss the steps that must be taken when one of the parties is incapacitated. An incapacitated person is defined as an “adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant extent that the person is partially or totally unable to manage financial resources or to meet the essential requirements for physical health and safety.” Pa. R.C.P. 2051. If a person is determined to be incapacitated a guardian ad litem must be appointed to act on that party’s behalf.

If a party becomes incapacitated after a matter has commenced, the matter should be stayed pending appointment of a guardian. The court shall appoint a guardian if it ascertains that the Plaintiff is incapacitated. If a Defendant becomes incapacitated during the proceeding, the Plaintiff should petition for appointment of a guardian. Once a guardian is in place, the matter can proceed. The guardian is tasked with acting for the benefit of the incapacitated party as a fiduciary. A guardian can be replaced by motion of the other party or by the court.

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Guardian Ad Litem

A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an attorney the court appoints to represent the best interests, and often times the legal interests, of a child in a court proceeding. Once appointed, the GAL should participate in all future proceedings as necessary to continue to ensure the child’s interest. By law, the GAL is mandated to meet with the child as soon as possible following appointment. Additionally, the GAL should review all the relevant records related to the case and conduct further investigation as deemed necessary. Further investigation may include speaking with the child’s parents and/or guardians as well as interviewing other potential witnesses.

The GAL’s ultimate responsibility to the court is to make specific recommendations for an order that will address the child’s safety and provide for his or her best interests. The GAL’s responsibility as it relates to the child is to explain the proceedings to the child in a manner that they can understand. Additionally, the GAL is to explain the child’s position to the court along with any evidence in support of their position. A GAL must be appointed in any case where it is alleged that the child is a dependent. A GAL may be appointed in other instances such as custody cases or Protection from Abuse cases involving the child. It is possible that a child can be appointed a GAL to protect their best interests and a separate attorney to protect their legal interests.

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