Q: Can a guardian ad litem be requested under the O.C.G.A SECTION 9-11-17
A: The court can appoint a GAL if they see that one is necessary. A party can also petition for a GAL to be assigned to the case. Then the court will determine if they are going to appoint one at that time or not. But if one of the parties is requesting that a GAL be assigned, be mindful that one or both of the parties will be assessed the cost of that GAL's time at either 100% or a percentage. And a GAL could be on a case for a year or more conducting an investigation, of which either one or both of the parties will have to cover that case. Also, keep in mind that once a GAL is assigned, whether you like their investigation or the recommendation or not, you will likely not be able to have them removed at a later date.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
