Welcome to the Guardians ad Litem for Civil Family Law Cases website

The GAL Guidelines adopted by the Supreme Court go into effect on January 1, 2025. You must complete an application and undergo both a criminal and CPS background check to be qualified to serve. The application and instructions will be available on this website in November. The instructions include information on how to complete the required criminal background check; please do not obtain your own background check outside of the specified process.

The application also includes information on applying for a training waiver for persons currently serving as a GAL who meet the requirements. Please review the application and instructions when they become available before contacting the State Office of GAL/CASA with questions.

We are not accepting complaints on GALs at this time. The GAL Guidelines are effective on cases in which the GAL is appointed on or after January 1, 2025. They are not applicable to cases in which the GAL was appointed prior to January 1, 2025. The avenue to address a GAL’s conduct and/or report during the pendency of a case is and will remain through the court process, not through the GAL Oversight Committee. Please speak to your attorney regarding any concerns you may have so the attorney can advise you on the best way to address any issues.

Contact us with questions, but note that due to the large volume of inquiries, it may take us several days to respond. We appreciate your patience and understanding.