The Judiciary
Committee has voted Raised Bill No. 494
out of the committee. This bill is intended to clarify the role of a guardian
ad litem (GAL) in Connecticut. A GAL is appointed by the court to represent and
to make recommendations regarding the best interests of a minor child in a
family court proceeding when parents do not agree. Some of the bill’s major
provisions are outlined below.
Selection of GAL.
The bill would require courts to provide parties with a list of five eligible
GALs who could serve in their case. If the parties cannot mutually select a
GAL, the court will appoint one from this list. The court will enter specific
orders regarding the scope of the GAL’s work and the rate at which the GAL is
to be paid.
Removal of a GAL.
The bill would allow parties to file a motion to remove a GAL. The court could
hold a hearing on this motion.
GAL fees. The
court can order that the parties pay reasonable GAL fees, but the court could
not order that these fees be paid from a college savings account. The court can
also order that GAL fees be calculated on a sliding scale basis.
The family
lawyers of Brown, Paindiris &
Scott have experience working with GALs. Check back for more updates on the
outcome of this bill.
