Introduction to Guardian Ad Litem

With Anna Nicole Smith continuing to be in the news, I'm sure most of you are as sick of hearing about her and her life as I am. However, like most, I wonder and worry about the fate of her baby daughter. The Judge here in Florida appointed a Guardian Ad Litem to ensure that the best interests of the child were looked after. Many people are uncertain as to what a Guardian Ad Litem is and what they do for a child. Usually a Guardian Ad Litem is appointed by the Court in a divorce case to interview the child(ren) and parents and make a recommendation concerning what they believe is best for the child(ren). A good recent article that describes a Guardian Ad Litem's role in a custody case in more detail can be found at http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/03/02/opinion/guest/55-smith.txt.