What Is a Guardian ad Litem in a New Jersey Custody Case? A Parent’s Guide

A Guardian ad Litem in a New Jersey custody case is appointed to independently investigate and evaluate the child’s circumstances and report findings to the court. Many parents encounter the term for the first time in the middle of a contested custody matter. Ana Milena Goncalves, Esq. explains what a GAL does, when one is appointed, what it costs, and how to work constructively within the process.