Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem

A guardian ad litem, in Florida, is a court appointed representative tasked with acting as the "next friend" of the child with the purpose of representing, to the Court, the best interests of a child.  A guardian ad litem is a third-party, impartial person appointed to investigate allegations made within pleadings or other factors that effect the best interests of a child and prepare a report for the parties and the Court, which includes a recommendation as to the child's best interest.  Most often, the guardian ad litem will speak with all parties to the case (usually the mother and father), the child or children, and persons that have relevant information regarding the child or children, such as teachers, counselors, and other family members in order to recommend to the Court a solution in the best interests of a child.

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Attorney Christie L. Mitchell provides guardian ad litem services in family law matters in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake County.