Applicable only to Guardian ad Litem appointments after January 1, 2025.
The Complaint Process
The purpose of the complaint process is to ensure that only qualified and trained GALs are used in civil family law cases. The complaint process is not a remedy to change the outcome of any underlying family law case. Please note: This complaint process does not apply to CHINS (Children in Need of Services) or TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) cases.
Please note, the avenue to address a GAL’s conduct and/or report during the pendency of a case is through the court process, not through filing a complaint with the GAL Oversight Committee. Concerns about a GAL before the final order must be addressed with the litigant’s attorney or the court.
What Constitutes a Formal Complaint
A formal complaint must allege that a GAL engaged in misconduct as outlined in the GAL Guidelines and/or Code of Ethics. The complaint process is not for reviewing a GAL’s recommendations, the court order, or any outcomes in a case.
The GAL complaint process will not change the outcome of the underlying family law case; only the trial judge or an appellate court can change the decision.
Who May File a Formal Complaint
Only a party to the case in which the GAL is assigned may submit a formal complaint. Complaints will not be accepted from a relative, friend or other interested person who is not an actual party to the case.
Timeframe in which a Formal Complaint may be Filed
A complaint cannot be filed until sixty (60) days after the date that the final order is issued in the case. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date the final order is issued. The final order is a decision issued by the judge after considering all the facts of the case, and the report of the GAL. The final order decides the outcome, for example, a custody decision, a parenting time decision, or other significant decision in the case.
Complaints submitted more than 180 days after the final order will be considered untimely and will be dismissed without further review or action.
Concerns about a GAL before the final order must be addressed with the litigant’s attorney or the court.
How to File a Formal Complaint
Complaints may be submitted using our online form.
File a formal complaint against a GAL
When a Formal Complaint is Received
- The complaint form will be reviewed.
- If the complaint is untimely or does not state a proper claim, the complaint will be dismissed, and the complainant will be notified of the dismissal.
- If upon review there appears to be a violation of the GAL Guidelines or Code of Ethics, the GAL may be asked to respond.
- The GAL Oversight panel may dismiss or may enter into an agreement with the GAL to remedy conduct.
- If serious or repetitive, the GAL may be removed from the Registry and the judicial officer notified.
The GAL complaint process will not change the outcome of the underlying family law case; only the trial judge or an appellate court can change the decision