The judge determines how the cost of the GAL or AMC will be divided by parents, based upon each parent’s financial situation. Parents with a combined gross income of over $100,000 pay the GAL’s regular hourly rate.  Parents with a combined gross income of $100,000 or less pay according to the Connecticut sliding fee scale  guidelines as outlined here:  Hourly rates for parents with a combined gross income of $70,000.01-$100,000.00 are between $150-$225.  Hourly rates for parents with a combined gross income of $50,000.01-$70,000.00 are between $100-$150.  Hourly rates for parents with a combined gross income of $39,062.01-$50,000.00 are between $75-$100.  If parents are paying according to the sliding fee scale, note that the judge may take other factors into consideration when determining whether to apply the scale and at what level/rate (such as the number of dependent children in the family and the complexity of the issues before the court). Parents with a combined income of $39,062 or less will qualify for a state-paid GAL or AMC.
*Note that in all cases, The Law Guardian, LLC requires a retainer (deposit held in trust) of 25 hours worth of services. Fees and costs will be charged against your retainer which may need to be replenished. Any balance is returned to you.*

I have been licensed as an attorney since 2004 and started representing the best interests of children in 2007 with the Colorado Office of the Child’s Representative located in Denver, CO.  My work was initially focused on families who were involved with Dependency and Neglect matters in the Juvenile Court.  Beginning in 2012, I assisted children, youth, and parents in divorce and separation matters, investigating the issues before the court and making recommendations as to parental responsibilities and custody including parenting time and decision-making.  In addition to Connecticut’s mandatory GAL/AMC training, I have participated in child welfare retreats and countless seminars and trainings about child development; parental conflict in divorce and separation; trauma and it’s effects on the developing child; mental health; substance abuse; parental and child evaluations; parenting time planning, treatment planning, special needs;  cultural competence; implicit bias; allegations of emotional, physical and sexual abuse; domestic violence; mediation; testifying as an expert and more, over these many years. In addition, I earned a Certificate of Legal Specialization and was board certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children as a Child Welfare Law Specialist from 2012-2017.

Every child is different. The approach I take is to meet with them on their own terms and with your support in a way that is comfortable. Your children will be most comfortable when you prepare them, with my help, for our visit.  We will discuss the before, during, and after of the visit/s and I will answer any questions that you or your child may have.  
If your child is very young, I will observe and/or engage with them in a way and at a time and location where you feel comfortable.  

The court will determine the issues I will need to investigate but the issues are largely influenced by you, your attorney if you have one and your co-parent and co-parent’s attorney if s/he has one.  The scope of the investigation may change if the court determines a change is necessary.  Some examples of issues investigated by a Connecticut GAL include parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, disputes about care, support, education, and medical or health care needs.

Parents and their attorneys may be able to work together to come to agreements based on the recommendations.  Otherwise, each parent will have the opportunity to support or object to the recommendations.  The judge will take into consideration all of the testimony and evidence  and will issue a decision about the unresolved matters before the court.

I encourage parents and/or their attorneys to reach out to me in the event there is a question or concern during the investigation about the child’s welfare or the way the investigation is proceeding.  We will work to address the issues quickly and if necessary, request assistance from the court.   

A Connecticut Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to make recommendations in the best interest of the child.  An Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) in Connecticut is the lawyer representing the child’s legal interests and wishes in the traditional sense of a lawyer-client relationship: the duties are to the client’s wishes, not best interests. The AMC does not testify in the case like the GAL does, but participates as another attorney litigating in the matter.  I accept AMC appointments on a limited basis and as a GAL, I am always interested in learning from the child what is important to them, how they feel, and why.  No matter what my recommendation will be, I endeavor to share your child’s thoughts and feelings with the court for consideration.  

It does not.  The GAL is there to make recommendations about what the GAL finds to be in the best interest of your children.  It doesn’t matter who pays, what percentage each person pays, or who the attorneys are in the case.  It also doesn’t matter who the judge is, the clerk, or anyone else – it is the information gathered by the GAL that must inform the GAL recommendation.