Guardian Ad Litem
/ˈɡɑːrdiən æd ˈlaɪtəm/
Definitions
- (n.) A court-appointed representative who advocates for the best interests of a minor or incapacitated person during legal proceedings.
The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests in the custody case.
Forms
- guardians ad litem
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The guardian ad litem is distinct from a legal guardian; the former represents a ward only during litigation or specific legal matters, not in all aspects of guardianship.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.