I keep your child in the center – not the middle.
What is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)? As a Connecticut GAL, I am a professional neutral advocating for what I find are the best interests of the child. I primarily assist in Hartford family court, Litchfield family court, Meriden family court, Middlesex family court, New Britain family court, New Haven family court, and Tolland family court cases but I do accept Connecticut GAL appointments throughout the state and in the probate courts.
As a GAL in Connecticut, I help children by actively listening to what they have to say, facilitating meaningful observation of their engagement with the world around them, identifying their individual needs, and offering my recommendations in their best interest per the request of parents, attorneys, and/or the court.
In addition to my work as a Guardian at Litem, I may represent children in the traditional attorney role, representing his or her legal interests. I occasionally accept court-appointments as an “AMC” or Attorney for the Minor Child in family court or probate court. In these roles, I provide thoughtful and skilled counsel in addition to zealous advocacy.
How much does a GAL cost? To learn more about my fees and legal services for children, see below, check out the FAQs page, learn the next steps here, and contact me directly to see how I can help you.
UPDATE: I AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING PRIVATE CLIENTS, HOWEVER, I MAY BE ABLE TO ACCEPT A LIMITED NUMBER OF PRO BONO CASES.
Your GAL Experience.
Not every family working through a divorce or separation requires the assistance of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). However, where parental conflict is problematic or there is disagreement about parenting time and/or decision-making, obtaining the services of an experienced GAL may be one of the most important things parents can do. Why? Because the GAL is the only professional who is there to make recommendations in the best interests of your children.
Working though a family separation or updating a parental responsibility plan is often difficult, stressful, and emotional. It is critical that parents shield their children from parental conflict and focus on possible solutions. My GAL work is focused on listening to your perspective and concerns, meeting with and learning about your child, and making recommendations that will serve your child’s best interests.
Beginning in 2007, I worked as a child’s attorney and GAL. From 2012-2017, I was a board certified Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS), certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children. I have conducted numerous GAL investigations for families, offering thoughtful and practical solutions to often complex parenting time and decision-making issues.
Learn more about my GAL practice and working with me as the court appointed GAL by visiting the FAQ page.
MY GAL Method.
In order to have a GAL investigate and make recommendations in your family law matter, the court has to appoint someone who is specifically authorized by the State to accept GAL appointments. Parents have the opportunity to agree on who the GAL will be. If parents are not able to reach agreement and propose a GAL to the court, the judge will provide a selection of eligible GALs for parents to consider. If parents are unable to come to agreement after considering the eligible GALs provided by the court, the judge may choose and appoint the GAL as necessary.
Once the court appoints me, I review the issues and relevant statutory factors that need investigation and analysis; provide intake paperwork for parents to review and sign; identify parental concerns and history using an in-depth parent questionnaire; meet and interview each parent in-person or via video conference; communicate with third parties; visit with your child; review records and other relevant information and; finally, draft my recommendations and/or a report which can assist in facilitating agreements. If there are disputes that remain unresolved, I will testify in court about my recommendations and the bases for them.
My priority is working to ensure you and your child feel comfortable during this process. I meet with children on their terms and prior to our meeting I will discuss with each parent some ways to prepare for my participation as the appointed GAL.
professional bio
(in part):
University of Denver, Sturm College of Law (2004)
Admitted to practice in Connecticut, Colorado, and Virginia (resigned)
Detained Children’s Staff Attorney with CIRI 2020-2021
Attorney GAL & CFI with the Colorado Office of the Child’s Representative and SCAO 2007-2017, 2020
Board Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist from 2012-2017, certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children
Youth Mental Health First Aid certification, 2015-2018
Graduate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) 2007, 2008, and 2009
Qualified as an expert in parental responsibility/custody matters as a Child and Family Investigator (Colorado)
Faculty for Continuing Legal Education seminars in Juvenile Law
The Colorado Lawyer publications including but not limited to: Service, Therapy and Emotional Support Animals, July 2015 and Easing the Apprehensive Witness: Court Facility Dogs, April 2010
Divorce with Children: Keeping the focus on the Kiddos published by the CCDP
Volunteer/pro bono work includes:
CCA Volunteer Attorney: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders issued by the Central Connecticut Regional Children’s Court
Commissioner, Denver Crime Prevention and Control Commission
Attorney Spotlight: ALDF Amicus contribution
Mi Casa Legal Clinic
It begins and ends with you
Contact me
Disclaimer: By clicking “send message” in the form below, you have chosen to contact attorney Gabriela Naomi Sandoval. You understand this website presents only general information and is not intended as legal advice. Contacting The Law Guardian, LLC will not establish an attorney-client relationship. Thank you.
Testimonials
Gabriela, I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest, heartfelt gratitude, to you…Your report is well stated, thorough, and fair. A couple of times during our conversations you said “I get it”. I agree. You definitely did. This means a great deal to our family, and more importantly, to E’s future. This is a pivotal point in E’s life. Our goal is to give her the support and guidance she needs to excel, so she will have a chance to experience a life full of opportunity and abundance. Your work has made a huge contribution to that effort. I cannot thank you enough. Warmest regards.
Gabriela, I would not hesitate in using you again in another case or recommending you to my colleagues, and I already have. I thought both your testimony and report were balanced and fair. I, and I know the Court, appreciated your thoroughness. The judge was very complimentary about your work and report / recommendations. He said that your recommendation was the best solution to a very difficult and tough situation. I can not think of one thing about your investigation or report that was troublesome. Honestly, the case should have settled, particularly because of your report and recommendations. In the end, the judge ordered APR almost exactly down the line of your recommendations. Thanks again for your work in this case and working with my client prior to my entry of appearance.
Hello Gabriela, I went over the report last night and am not sure what is proper here but I wanted to say thank you very much. I know you are a neutral party but there is nothing on earth that could make me happier than that report today. More than anything because I feel it is the truth and accurate. I can truly say I have never seen a more difficult but rewarding process now that I see the finish line. You are a wonderful person and I truly appreciate all of your hard work! Thank You
Gabriela, I thought you were the most professional, unbiased and firm CFI [GAL] we have ever had. I feel you did not allow yourself or anyone you interviewed to give unnecessary information, drag you into conflict nor did you ever falter in getting the answers you were specifically looking for. I felt that you pressed necessary buttons to see how people respond and kept your mind clear until you needed to make your final recommendations. I feel you were very fair in attributing conflict to both parties as I do believe it can’t happen by yourself but in the end I think you saw enough to see where we could both improve. Most importantly I think you listened and was the voice for our two children, who have been the ones who suffer the most and really needed to have their voices heard. I think you came in as a parent yourself and with your combined training, tried to put yourself into their shoes, see where their lives are and how they could be improved. You watched out for them; you protected them. Much like the work I am sure you do with animals and their respective rights. You stated some things no one wants to hear (“you need to improve, you play a role….”). You didn’t care who liked you, who didn’t. You did your job and you did it well. I would say the same even if your recommendations were different. I feel you were very fair, to the point, and there was no BS. I would be happy to recommend you to anyone I know; happy to assist in helping by letting you know how the recommendations pan out and how the kids are fairing. I can’t say I thank you enough, but I finally feel like someone listened to BOTH sides and considered everything that affects our children, seeing through what once seemed like “blind spots” to the court system. We need more people like you. Kids need more people like you. Thanks, Gabriela, for being and staying professional and doing what you do so well.
“Solamente, quiero darle las gracias, por hacer esta investigacion, por todo su tiempo, su ezfuerzo y toda su dedicacion, esto para nosotros es una esperiencia nueva, pero que nos va ayudar mucho para el future y para el bien de los niños. De verdad, muchas gracias y que dios la vendiga a usted y a su familia.” [Translated: I just want to thank you, for an efficient and thorough investigation, for all the time you spent working with our family and all of your dedication. This was a new experience for us but it will help us a lot for the future and for the sake of the children. Really, thank you very much and may God look after you and your family.]
“Hello, I am sending this to say: Thank you so much for helping me — u guys changed my life and my view of the world. You guys helped me and my family so much. I am thankful u guys were in my life. This day was so happy because my case got closed so, I want to say thank u to my team and my other team. I know that I will always have you guys in my life. I know we had a lot of bumps in the road but we did it! Keep doing what you guys are doing because it helped me and my family and you guys will help other families too. Thank you for all the support you’ve shown Thank you for all your letters Thank you for coming to see me Thank you for your love Thank you for helping me get through this Thank you for being there for me Thank you for showing me what love actually is Thank you for giving me the spirit to get through everyday Thank you for thinking about me Thank you for the laughs Thank you for your beautiful smile Thank you for sticking up for me Thank you for having my back Thank you for everything But better then all Thank you for being YOU… Thank you from my family”