A professional is appointed by the court to speak on behalf of the child. This person can come from various professional backgrounds including psychology, education, and others. The CASA is professionally trained to speak with the child in order to better understand what they want, which is used to help determine where the child will live and which parent is fit to make the child’s legal decisions moving forward.
Like a CASA volunteer, a GAL is also a court-appointed professional, and in most cases a licensed attorney. However, a GAL has more influence and power. GAL’s are typically permitted to obtain medical and financial information from the child’s doctor and to speak with the child’s teachers about how the divorce proceedings are affecting their education. GAL’s can also subpoena witnesses for trial. After the GAL’s investigation is concluded, they’ll submit a report detailing recommendations for the child’s living space and visitation rights.
All states have an agency dedicated to the well-being of children, and though they are called different things, the Department of Social Services is the most used. Employees of these agencies are typically psychologists and therapists and are qualified to investigate cases regarding the safety of children. While the role of these individuals only arises in limited situations, if a DSS caseworker is assigned to your child custody case, it’s important to hire a professional attorney. Don’t go through your contested child custody case alone, call Lisa Marie Macci, P.A. at (561) 361-8528today.