Q: Can a GAL restrict a boyfriend from seeing a girlfriend due to her child having outbursts
Gal has restricted us from seeing each other and requiring counseling for the child. The child is 9 and was having outbursts. Her dad got remarried after 5 weeks of seeing a woman and I started dating her mother a month after that. I don’t even have a speeding ticket on my record and have had joint legal physical and split custody on my child for 6-7 years that has never been questioned. Also can a GAL restrict you from going to a family function such as a baby shower being held in a public place (church) with the child present
A: A GAL doesn't have the power to tell you what to do. However, they can make custody recommendations to the court. Your girlfriend risks losing custody if you ignore the recommendation. She can consult her attorney about what to do.
Homer P Jordan IV agrees with this answer
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A: A guardian ad litem can not issue orders controlling the parties' behavior, but can only make recommendations. However, most judges take a GAL's recommendation as gospel and may make an adverse custody decision against the party who fails to adhere to the GAL's recommendations.
Homer P Jordan IV agrees with this answer
A: I agree with my colleagues. A GAL does not have the power to do such a thing. Their role is to observe what is going on and make recommendations to the court. It is wise, however, to listen to what the GAL suggests, because it's likely the same recommendations they will be making to the court. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558 HomerJordan.com
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