Preparing for an Interview with the Guardian ad Litem: Guidance for Parents

When parents are involved in a custody dispute in Florida, especially one that involves serious conflict or concerns about the child’s wellbeing, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the child. For many parents, receiving notice of this appointment can bring anxiety and uncertainty. What will the GAL ask? How should you act? Will one wrong move ruin your case? These are common and valid concerns.

While it’s natural to feel nervous, understanding the GAL’s role and preparing thoughtfully for your interactions can make a significant difference—not just for your case, but for your ongoing relationship with your child.

What Is a Guardian ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem is not a judge, not your attorney, and not a therapist. They are a neutral third party appointed by the court to investigate the child’s situation and provide a recommendation based on what they believe is in the child’s best interests. This recommendation typically includes input about custody, timesharing, and any concerns about safety, stability, or emotional wellbeing.

Under Florida law, a GAL is expected to speak with both parents, the child, and any other individuals relevant to the child’s care, such as teachers, doctors, or family friends. They may conduct home visits, observe parent-child interactions, and review records such as school reports or medical files.

The GAL’s written report can carry significant weight in the judge’s final decision, especially in cases involving allegations of abuse, alienation, or parental misconduct.

Take a Child-Centered Approach

The most important mindset to bring into your interview with the GAL is this: It’s about your child, not about winning.

Your interview is an opportunity to show the GAL that you are a responsible, caring, and emotionally stable parent who puts your child’s needs first. Avoid focusing excessively on the shortcomings of the other parent. While it may be necessary to address concerns—particularly if there are issues of safety or neglect—your tone and focus should remain rooted in what is best for your child.

The GAL is not looking for perfection. They are looking for consistency, sincerity, and a genuine desire to support your child’s development.

Be Honest and Thoughtful

Trying to present a “perfect” version of yourself to the GAL can backfire if it comes across as scripted or insincere. If you’ve made mistakes in the past, acknowledge them and explain how you’ve learned from the experience. Be honest about challenges you’ve faced—whether related to co-parenting, time management, or emotional strain—and explain how you’ve addressed or are working to address those issues.

If asked about sensitive topics like discipline, communication, or past disagreements with your co-parent, answer calmly and respectfully. Avoid exaggerations or making sweeping negative statements. The GAL is trained to look for patterns, not isolated incidents, and will likely be more concerned with how you handle conflict and stress than whether you’ve had a perfect track record.

Prepare for Key Topics

While every interview is different, there are common areas that GALs tend to explore. These may include:

• Your daily routine with the child (meals, bedtime, homework, activities)
• Your understanding of the child’s needs, preferences, and challenges
• Your ability to communicate and cooperate with the other parent
• Any past or current concerns about the child’s health, safety, or emotional state
• Your support for the child’s relationship with the other parent

Prepare to discuss these topics with specific examples. For instance, instead of saying “I always make sure my child does her homework,” you might say, “We sit down together after dinner each night and go over her assignments. If she’s struggling, I email her teacher for extra support.” Specifics help the GAL get a clearer picture of your involvement.

Maintain a Positive, Respectful Tone

One of the most common missteps in a GAL interview is allowing frustration or resentment to cloud your words. No matter how contentious the divorce or how unfair you believe the other parent has been, stay calm and respectful during your interview. Speaking negatively or angrily about your co-parent can make you appear more focused on revenge than on your child’s well-being.

It’s perfectly appropriate to express concern about behaviors that impact your child—such as frequent cancellations, unsafe environments, or emotional manipulation—but try to do so in a factual, non-inflammatory way. Stick to what you have observed, not what you assume or fear.

Make a Good Impression During Home Visits

If the GAL conducts a home visit, make sure your home is clean, safe, and child-friendly. You don’t need to redecorate or present a showroom-worthy house, but your space should reflect a stable and nurturing environment.

Ensure your child has their own sleeping space, age-appropriate belongings, and evidence of a daily routine—like books, a homework area, or chore charts. Be prepared to show how you support your child’s physical and emotional needs.

Support Your Child Without Coaching Them

It’s natural to want to prepare your child for the GAL’s visit, especially if they are young or anxious. However, be extremely cautious not to “coach” your child. This can backfire and create mistrust with both the child and the GAL.

Instead, explain that the GAL is someone who wants to help understand how things are going and make sure everyone is okay. Encourage your child to be honest and speak freely. If they ask questions, answer them simply and without pressure.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

The GAL interview may feel like a high-stakes moment, but it’s one part of a larger process. Your conduct over time, both during and outside of court proceedings, plays a significant role in how the GAL perceives your parenting. Staying consistent, respectful, and child-focused throughout your case will reinforce the credibility you establish in your interview.

Contact Taryn G. Sinatra, P.A.

If you’re preparing to meet with a Guardian ad Litem and want guidance on how to present your best self while protecting your relationship with your child, the team at Taryn G. Sinatra, P.A. is here to help. We offer compassionate, experienced legal support for families throughout South Florida. Our Boynton Beach family law attorneys understand how emotionally challenging custody disputes can be, and we’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge and strategy needed to navigate them with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

guardianadlitem.org