Practice Areas

Guardian ad litem

In family law cases, one important voice sometimes is overlooked: that of the child. While children are not official parties in divorce litigation or custody rulings, decisions made in those proceedings have a lasting impact on their futures and on their emotional well-being.

The family law attorneys at Morton & Gettys are available to serve as guardians ad litem in any family law case. They have the legal skills, compassion, sensitivity, and, just as importantly, the real-life experience to recommend decisions that are in the child’s best interests.

A guardian ad litem’s goal is to help parties work toward meaningful solutions that serve the child’s best interests, a standard South Carolina family law judges often apply in contested custody issues. There are more than a dozen factors that can be involved in determining “best interests,” from the child’s relationship with the parents and siblings to stability to any safety concerns. The child’s preference also can be considered.

In an ideal world, parents, too, would consider these and other factors in proposing any custody agreement. In the real world, emotions run high in divorces and custody issues. That is why the services of a guardian ad litem are invaluable. A skilled attorney serving as a guardian ad litem considers only the child’s best interests in making recommendations. A guardian ad litem is neither an advocate nor a foe to either side in litigation. Instead, a guardian ad litem is a neutral third party who investigates, interviews, and researches to determine what is best for the child.

Serving as a guardian ad litem is a delicate balance, requiring both legal knowledge and an awareness of family dynamics and the emotional issues involved. The family law attorneys at Morton & Gettys possess that combination of skills. Contact us to see how we can help.

Attorneys

LeAnne Burnett Morse

Attorney