What does a guardian ad litem do?

A guardian ad litem serves a critical role in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving minors or individuals unable to represent themselves. The primary responsibility of a guardian ad litem is to advocate for the best interests of the ward. This may involve conducting interviews, reviewing documents, and gathering information relevant to the case to ensure that the ward's rights and needs are represented within the legal system.

This role emphasizes the welfare of the ward, allowing the guardian ad litem to present recommendations to the court based on what they believe serves the ward's best interests in the context of the legal issues at hand. Their involvement helps ensure that decisions made by the court consider not only the legal aspects but also the personal and emotional needs of the individual represented.

In contrast, a guardian managing or representing financial interests or making personal decisions for another is not the primary responsibility of a guardian ad litem, as those roles are distinct and often held by different parties. The focus of the guardian ad litem is specifically on advocacy within the framework of the court's proceedings regarding the ward.