A Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, is a professional appointed by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court to investigate and report on issues affecting children in family court matters. Unlike an attorney who advocates for a specific party, a GAL serves the Court directly, providing an independent, fact-based assessment to help the judge make informed decisions about a child’s care, custody, and welfare. GALs are appointed under different categories depending on the scope of their role, and the specifics of each appointment are defined by the Court’s order.
Category F Guardian ad Litem Appointments
In addition to his work as a divorce attorney, mediator, and estate planning attorney, Edward L. Amaral, Jr. is qualified to serve as a Category F Guardian ad Litem and has been appointed by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court for Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Norfolk Counties.
As a Category F Guardian ad Litem, Amaral can receive appointments by the Court to conduct an independent investigation and provide the Court with factual information concerning issues affecting the care, custody, parenting time, visitation, and welfare of children. The judge’s order determines each appointee’s specific responsibilities.
The Investigation Process
A GAL investigation may involve:
- Interviewing parents, children, and other individuals with relevant information
- Reviewing school, medical, mental-health, and other records
- Communicating with professionals involved with the family
- Examining the circumstances and relationships that may affect a child’s well-being
The investigation is conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court’s standards for Category F Guardian ad Litem investigators.
The Report to the Court
Following the investigation, the GAL prepares a written report for the Court addressing the specific issues identified in the appointment order. Unless the Court’s order specifically authorizes recommendations, the role of a Category F GAL investigator is to gather and report factual information rather than advocate for either parent or decide the legal issues before the Court. The judge remains responsible for making the ultimate legal and factual determinations.
Why This Experience Matters
Amaral’s GAL training and experience give him deeper insight into the complex family dynamics, parenting issues, and concerns that arise when a child’s best interests and welfare are at stake. This insight strengthens his work representing and assisting individuals and families in divorce, custody, parenting, mediation, and other Probate and Family Court matters.
Get in Touch
If you are involved in a custody, abuse, parenting time, or other family court matter and have questions about the Guardian ad Litem process, call Attorney Edward L. Amaral, Jr. at (617) 539-1010 ext. 111 to discuss your case, or schedule a consultation online. Amaral is accepting appointments through the Probate and Family Court on a private-pay basis.