Guardians ad Litem (GAL)/Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC)

Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP team of Guardians Ad Litem provides guidance and advocacy focused on protecting the best interests of children during complex family law matters. Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP team of Guardians ad Litem… Family court is all about making the best decisions for children. Our laws give the Judges some guidance about what factors to consider when determining what is in the best interest of a child (See CGS §46b-56c), but sometimes, the judge needs more information than what the parents can provide. That’s where a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) comes in.

A GAL is appointed by the Judge when the court needs someone neutral to focus only on what’s best for the child.

A GAL may be needed if:

• Parents can’t agree on custody or visitation

• There are safety concerns (abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance use)

• The child has special emotional, medical, or educational needs

• The child’s wishes may not match what’s truly in their best interest

• The judge needs a clearer picture beyond the parents’ testimony

What is a GAL?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is someone the court appoints to look out for a child’s best interests during their court proceedings. They don’t take sides with the parents. A Guardian ad Litem can be an attorney or a mental health professional specifically trained in determining what is best for a child. Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP provides experienced Guardian ad Litem services focused on supporting children and helping courts make informed decisions in family law matters.

Where are they used?

A GAL can be appointed in:

• Divorce or custody disputes

• Cases about visitation and/or relocation

• Child protection cases (abuse or neglect)

• Probate court matters (like guardianship, termination of parental rights or adoption)

What does a GAL do?

• Talks with the child, parents, teachers, doctors, and others involved in the child’s life

• Reviews important records (for example:school, medical, social services)

• Attends court hearings

• Gives the judge recommendations about what parenting and other arrangements will best support the child

GAL vs.  AMC 

• An Attorney for the Minor Child is appointed to advocate for what the child says they want, not necessarily what is in their best interest.

• A GAL tells the court what they believe is best for the child, even if it’s not what the child asks for.

• The courts tend to appoint GALs over AMCs. 

Attorney David Coughlin is trained to act as GAL or AMC in family cases, juvenile cases and probate matters. To learn more about Guardian ad Litem and Attorney for the Minor Child services, contact Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP.