In a child custody, visitation or support dispute, Alabama courts are required to make their decisions according to the children's best interests. Usually, that's also the goal of both parents and any other adults involved. But sometimes, the parties truly can't agree about what the child's best interests are, or the court feels it's important to investigate the parties' behavior outside of court. When that's the case, Alabama courts can appoint a guardian ad litem -- a legal guardian whose job is solely to protect and advocate for the best interests of the children. Guardians ad litem can also be appointed for minors in other parts of the legal system, and even for some adults.

In Alabama, a guardian ad litem is always an attorney. Steven D. Eversole, the founder and lead attorney of the Eversole Law Offices, is available to act as a guardian ad litem in any Alabama dependency, custody or conservatorship case. He can also help people who would like to challenge a guardian ad litem's findings or another aspect of a case involving guardianship.

Guardians Ad Litem in Alabama

A guardian ad litem is a legal guardian appointed by the court to guard the interests of another person. This happens frequently in custody disputes, especially when the court is concerned that one or more parties are acting against the children's interests. However, a guardian ad litem might also be appointed in cases involving:

• Minors in trouble with the law
• Minors involved in grandparents' rights disputes
• Minors without living parents, or those whose parents are very young
• Minors whose parents are accused of abuse, neglect or abandonment
• Minors whose interests conflict with those of their parents in another way
• Adults who can't look after themselves due to age, mental illness or disability

Minors ages 14 or older may be able to choose their own guardians in some cases. Courts may order parents or other parties to pay for the guardian's services, but parties can challenge the reasonableness of that fee.

Guardian Ad Litem in Birmingham

If you need help with a guardianship ad litem matter in Alabama, attorney Steven D. Eversole can help. Our Birmingham office serves clients in Jefferson, Shelby and Madison Counties and throughout the state of Alabama who face guardianships, conservatorships and other family law matters. As a family lawyer and the husband of a school psychologist, Eversole is a vigorous advocate for children and teens whose interests are sometimes overlooked when their families are going through a tough time.

For a free evaluation of your guardianship case, contact the Eversole Law Offices today.