Please Call for more information! (317) 868-2583

lfears@lawresourcescenter.com

Do you need to schedule a GAL/PC/Divorce Coaching Meeting with Lisa Fears?

Schedule a 1 hour Meeting with Lisa:

https://scheduler.zoom.us/lisa-fears/book-an-individual-pc-or-gal-meeting-with-lisa-fears

GAL Rates:

$250 per hour, $3000 Retainer

Payment Methods:

Cash, Check, Credit Card, AFFIRM 

or 

Private Payment Plan

Need to Pay a Retainer or Invoice? Click the link below.

Here’s a clear, Indiana‑specific explanation from the Indiana Judicial Branch the statewide GAL Guidelines effective January 1, 2025.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Indiana is a qualified individual appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child in civil family law cases. These cases include custody and parenting time disputes, paternity matters, minor guardianships, third‑party custody, adoptions, and grandparent or third‑party visitation cases.
 

A GAL is not the child’s attorney. Instead, the GAL conducts an independent, impartial investigation and provides the court with recommendations focused solely on what will best support the child’s safety, stability, and well‑being.

A GAL’s responsibilities typically include:

• Interviewing the child, parents, caregivers, and relevant professionals
• Reviewing records such as school, medical, or counseling documents
• Observing parent–child interactions
• Assessing safety, stability, and developmental needs
• Preparing written reports for the court
• Making recommendations regarding custody, parenting time, and other child‑related issues
• Testifying when needed
• These duties are outlined in the Indiana GAL Guidelines adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court.

Under the 2025 Indiana GAL Guidelines, a person may serve as a GAL if they are:

• · A licensed attorney in good standing
• · A licensed mental health professional
• · Employed by or contracted with a court‑approved GAL program or GAL/CASA program
• · An independently approved professional with relevant knowledge, skill, training, or experience
• All GALs must meet training requirements and pass required background checks (unless they are an active attorney in good standing)

•  Verified Qualifications and Training - Certification ensures the GAL has completed the state‑required training, understands Indiana family law, child development, trauma‑informed practice, and the ethical standards required to serve.
•  Mandatory Background Checks - Certified GALs must pass criminal and CPS background checks, ensuring they are safe and appropriate to work with vulnerable children.
• Adherence to Statewide Professional Standards - Indiana’s new GAL Guidelines establish clear expectations for:

• Investigation procedures
• Reporting requirements
• Ethical conduct
• Communication boundaries
• Documentation and transparency
   

Court‑Recognized Expertise

Judges rely heavily on GAL recommendations. Certification signals to the court that the GAL is:

• Qualified
• Neutral
• Trained in best‑interest advocacy
• Operating under statewide rules
• Is Child‑Centered, Trauma‑Informed
• Prioritizes the child’s emotional and physical safety
• Recognizes signs of trauma
• Understands developmental needs
• Makes recommendations that support long‑term well‑being

Certified GALs are subject to:

• Ongoing training
• Reporting requirements
• Oversight through the GAL Family Law Oversight Committee
• A formal complaint process for appointments made after January 1, 2025
  This protects families and ensures professionalism.

A Guardian ad Litem in Indiana is a trained, court‑appointed advocate whose sole role is to protect a child’s best interests during family law proceedings.