| |
|
These web sites offer more information about mediation:
| |
|
|
About the Author:
This research report on Opportunities in the ADR Field in Georgia was compiled by Jennifer Matte. Ms. Matte is Vermont Law School graduate. During law school, she completed an externship with the Consortium for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Her work with The Center for Legal Solutions, Inc. has primarily focused on the emergence of specializations within the ADR community.
Questions and comments regarding this research may be directed to jmatte@vermontlaw.edu. |
|
See State and Local Requirements for:
|
|
|
|
Opportunities in Guardian Ad Litem Programs
A Guardian Ad Litem is a “court appointed special advocate” or simply a volunteer who has been screened and trained regarding deprivation, child development, and juvenile court procedures
A Guardian Ad Litem is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of minor children in disputed custody cases
Guardians will make recommendations to the court as to who should be granted
primary custody and what degree of visitation by the non-custodial party would be appropriate
Who administers the program?
Who is the director and what is their title?
Requirements for Guardians are set by the Superior Court Judges Council of each
County
Specific Contacts Include:
Cobb County Superior Court GAL program: ADR Office
(770) 528-1812
Dawn Smith
Deputy Director: Guardian ad Litem Program
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
(404) 521-0790
Who is appointed as a guardian?
How is this determined?
3 manners of appointment
- Judge may appoint a guardian
- Attorneys for both sides can agree upon a Guardian
- GAL office may appoint a Guardian
Qualified attorneys are on a list developed by the county and supplied to judges and counsel
What are the requirements for training in order to serve as a GAL?
How much experience is suggested or required?
State Regulations place the responsibility for GAL training and qualification standards in the hands of local courts
(OCGA § 15-11-9, §15-11-58 §19-7-44, U.J.C.R. Rule 23.2)
In regards to Guardian qualifications, these rules state:
Some courts only appoint attorney guardians. Others use a combination of attorneys, court appointed special advocates (CASA), and other trained citizens or volunteers
Specifically, Cobb County has set forth these requirements for Guardians;
- Member of the State Bar of Georgia
- Have practiced law for a minimum of five years.
- Have handled or observed six custody matters from start to finish.
- Attendance of the Guardian Ad Litem Seminar (sponsored by the Cobb County Superior Court)
- Attendance of Cobb County Seminar for Divorcing Parents
- Either belong to Family Law Section of the State Bar or have attended a minimum of three hours CLE each year in a topic related to Family Law (as determined by the Cobb County Guardian Ad Litem Program)
- Background check, handbook review, and verification
The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation also provides a training program for attorneys who wish to serve as GALs in Fulton Superior Court
Training:
8.5 hour training
-Family law
-Role of a GAL
-Stages of child development
-Pros and Cons of various custody arrangements
-Effects of domestic violence on children
-Ethical issues facing a GAL
-Presenting findings to a court
Trainings satisfy 8 CLE credits, including Professionalism and Ethics hours
Participants are volunteers and must be State licensed attorneys and complete the training program
Additional Information on State Requirements:
Additional Information on Local Requirements:
|
|
|
We recently hosted a special event for 
The Center for Legal Solutions Director Barry Edwards' Article on 