The application to become a registered Guardian ad Litem in civil family law cases is now available.
Civil family law cases include, but are not limited to, custody and parenting time matters in dissolution of marriage cases and in paternity cases; minor (not adult) guardianship cases; third party custody actions in dissolution of marriage cases and in paternity cases; adoptions; grandparent visitation cases; and third-party visitation cases.
Please review the GAL Guidelines prior to completing your application to assist you in the process. Applications will be reviewed and approved or denied by the GAL Family Oversight Committee. Every applicant will be notified once this review process is completed. Please do not contact us to check on the status of your application as this will slow down the process for all applicants.
Criminal Background and CPS Checks
If you are a licensed attorney in good standing who is currently serving or has served as a GAL, you will receive a link to complete a Child Protection Services (CPS) check shortly after submission of your application. Non-attorneys will receive a link to complete both a criminal background and a CPS check after a preliminary review of their application is completed. Please note that your application to the registry will not be processed until the background checks have been completed.
The State Office of GAL/CASA will cover the cost of the CPS and/or criminal background checks for existing GALs (attorneys and non-attorneys) who are already serving as a GAL (until funding is depleted). New applicants (attorneys and non-attorneys) who have never served as a GAL will receive a link to obtain the appropriate CPS and criminal background checks but will be responsible for paying the associated costs. More information about the background checks, including the cost, will be available when you receive and click on the link to our vendor’s site.
Training
Training requirements are outlined in the GAL Guidelines and in the application. Both initial and ongoing training opportunities will be posted on this website and on the Kids’ Voice website.