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Guardian ad litem, Attorney ad litem, and Amicus Attorney Services

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A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the court to advocate and represent the best interests of a child in a Child Protective Services (CPS) proceeding. The guardian ad litem will keep in contact with all attorneys involved in the case, attend all hearings and trial, and will meet with the child to discuss the case. A child may tell the guardian ad litem their desired outcome; however, they do not have to agree, and may make a conflicting recommendation to the Court if they determine it is in the child’s best interest.

An attorney ad litem is appointed by the court to provide legal services to a person, including a child. An attorney ad litem is an advocate for the child, and will express the child’s wishes to the court or jury. A court can appoint an attorney ad litem in a CPS proceeding, child custody case, or suit for adoption. One person may act as both the attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem in a CPS case. However, if the child’s wishes are different from what is believed to be in the best interest of the child, an attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem will be appointed.

“Amicus” means “friend to the court.” If an amicus attorney is appointed in your case, it is important to understand that the attorney does not represent either party or the child. Amicus attorneys are often appointed in cases where the court feels it needs assistance protecting the best interest of the child, such as in very contentious cases. The amicus attorney will speak with the child and the parties, make home visits, interview persons with knowledge of the case (i.e., teachers, doctors, relatives), and attend hearings and mediation. The amicus attorney uses the information gathered to make a recommendation to the court about the best interest of the child.

Both Titiana Frausto and Bryan Guymon are particularly experienced in acting in these capacities. Courts frequently appoint each of them to act as a guardian ad litem and/or attorney ad litem in CPS proceedings and appoint them as amicus attorneys in child custody and adoption suits.

Guardian ad litem, Attorney ad litem, and Amicus Attorney Services

Guardian ad litem, Attorney ad litem, and Amicus Attorney Services

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    Guardian ad litem, Attorney ad litem, and Amicus Attorney Services

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    A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the court to advocate and represent the best interests of a child in a Child Protective Services (CPS) proceeding. The guardian ad litem will keep in contact with all attorneys involved in the case, attend all hearings and trial, and will meet with the child to discuss the case. A child may tell the guardian ad litem their desired outcome; however, they do not have to agree, and may make a conflicting recommendation to the Court if they determine it is in the child’s best interest.

    An attorney ad litem is appointed by the court to provide legal services to a person, including a child. An attorney ad litem is an advocate for the child, and will express the child’s wishes to the court or jury. A court can appoint an attorney ad litem in a CPS proceeding, child custody case, or suit for adoption. One person may act as both the attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem in a CPS case. However, if the child’s wishes are different from what is believed to be in the best interest of the child, an attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem will be appointed.

    “Amicus” means “friend to the court.” If an amicus attorney is appointed in your case, it is important to understand that the attorney does not represent either party or the child. Amicus attorneys are often appointed in cases where the court feels it needs assistance protecting the best interest of the child, such as in very contentious cases. The amicus attorney will speak with the child and the parties, make home visits, interview persons with knowledge of the case (i.e., teachers, doctors, relatives), and attend hearings and mediation. The amicus attorney uses the information gathered to make a recommendation to the court about the best interest of the child.

    Both Titiana Frausto and Bryan Guymon are particularly experienced in acting in these capacities. Courts frequently appoint each of them to act as a guardian ad litem and/or attorney ad litem in CPS proceedings and appoint them as amicus attorneys in child custody and adoption suits.

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