Canton Certified Guardian Ad Litem Lawyer

Canton Certified Guardian Ad Litem Attorney

If your family is facing a legal dispute during a divorce, child custody proceeding, or neglect/abuse case, you may need reliable legal support from a Canton certified guardian ad litem lawyer. It is challenging to know who to trust with these sensitive matters. You can always count on the team that Canton locals trust. Call Kayla L. Upchurch at Upchurch Law, LLC for dependable legal support.

About Upchurch Law, LLC

As a 6th-generation Georgian and a certified guardian ad litem (GAL), founding attorney Kayla L. Upchurch brings a deep sense of responsibility and compassion to every case she handles. While her legal practice at Upchurch Law, LLC is built on helping Cherokee County families navigate complicated litigation cases, her work as a GAL is dedicated specifically to being the voice for children who need legal representation.

Kayla is resolution-focused, and she works to protect the most vulnerable people in the room. She provides the court with the objective insight necessary to reach a fair outcome. She offers a safe, confidential space for families in transition.

Connect with our office to learn more. We are LGBTQ-friendly and offer free consultations. We are ready to listen to your case goals.

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem?

In Georgia, our courts appoint what is called a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of children during legal disputes. Notably, ad litem is Latin and means “for the suit,” as their authority is only temporary and lasts for the time they are part of the case.

A GAL typically has several responsibilities, which include:

• Investigating: They investigate a specific situation, since they often act on behalf of the judge and may review records, speak with witnesses, and visit a child’s home.
• Interviewing: They interview relevant parties, including the child, their parents, extended family, and other people who are important to the case.
• Making recommendations to the court: Once their investigation is complete, the GAL submits their report to the court based on what they believe is in the child’s best interest.
• Attending court hearings: A GAL may appear in Court to discuss and present their findings to a judge. They may call relevant witnesses to support their recommendations, as necessary.

Ultimately, a GAL plays an important part in many family law proceedings.

Need-To-Know Information About GALs

The demand for GALs remains high, with about 331,747 children in the foster care system, based on recent reporting from The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). Pew Charitable Trusts indicates that the state courts across this country handle about 66 million cases annually, including about 3.8 million family law cases.

Please understand that if you are going through a divorce, custody battle, or abuse case, you may need to consider retaining a GAL. With the overwhelming volume of our nation’s legal system, experienced representation is necessary to protect your interests and those of your children. In a system that’s often stretched thin, a GAL can provide an independent voice.

Consider Hiring a GAL at Upchurch Law, LLC

When you hire a certified guardian ad litem lawyer, they:

• Offer a personalized investigation
• Provide enhanced availability and speed, as a private professional often completes their home visits and interviews quickly, which helps move a stalled custody case toward a resolution
• Offer targeted skills that are relevant to your case, such as knowledge in substance abuse, parental alienation, or neurodivergent children
• Provide comprehensive reporting that judges don’t have time for during a standard case

Call our experienced GAL about your specific needs.

FAQs

Can I Handle My Own Family Law Case Without a Guardian ad Litem?

Yes, you can technically handle your own family law case without a guardian ad litem. However, it is not recommended. When you work with a GAL, they provide comprehensive support for your divorce, child custody, or abuse/neglect case. At Upchurch Law, LLC, we have provided GAL services for many families throughout the Canton area. Reach out to learn about the many reasons to consider working with our team for your specific family law case.

How Much Does It Cost for a Guardian ad Litem?

It is challenging to provide reliable information about the cost of retaining a guardian ad Litem, as all GALs set their own fees for their services. Guardian ad litem lawyers set their fees based on their years of experience and the amount of time they expect to spend on your case, plus other case-specific factors. If you are ready to retain a GAL, ask about their fees so you won’t face any financial surprises.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Discuss With a GAL?

In general, you should avoid discussing anything with a GAL that you would not want discussed openly in court. This might include untrue, damaging allegations about your child’s other parent or any illegal activity. When speaking with the GAL, it is important to be truthful and to avoid presenting misleading information. This could impact your credibility and negatively impact your case.

When Should I Contact a GAL for My Family Law Case?

Ideally, you should contact a GAL for your family law case as soon as possible after they are appointed by a Georgia judge, if a child custody case involves any allegations of abuse, if a divorce is considered high-conflict, or if an objective investigation into the best interests of your child is necessary. When you contact a GAL quickly, they start building a strong case immediately.

If You Need to Hire a Certified Guardian Ad Litem Lawyer In Canton, Choose Upchurch Law, LLC

A female-owned firm, Upchurch Law, LLC, does what’s right to protect your family. From BridgeMill to Woodmont, Canton attorney Kayla L. Upchurch is ready to go to court. Your case will likely be heard at Cherokee County Superior Court, located at 90 North Street in Canton. Kayla is highly regarded at the courthouse for her exceptional GAL work.

While we currently handle a wide variety of family law cases, we presently are not accepting adoptions, dependency cases, CPS matters, or international custody disputes.

Contact Upchurch Law, LLC for a consultation with an experienced Canton certified guardian ad litem attorney. Reach out to learn more about how Kayla L. Upchurch makes your overall experience with the Canton family law court system better.