Volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GALs) are individuals who have been appointed by a family court judge to represent the best interests of children who have entered the family court system due to abuse or neglect. Volunteer GALs have completed mandatory training with the S.C. Guardian ad Litem Program and have been accepted by the Program for court appointment. These volunteers give freely of their time and are governed by the rules and regulations of the Program, as well as the provisions of
S.C. Code Ann. 63-11-500 et seq. (2008 Supp). State law requires that every child who enters the family court system due to abuse or neglect be appointed a guardian ad litem. (
S.C. Code Ann. 63-7-1620.) Assistance and supervision of Volunteer GALs is provided by local Program staff, as well as the state office. An attorney is always appointed to represent Volunteer GALs.
On the other hand, a Private Guardian ad Litem is appointed in private actions before the family court involving issues of custody or visitation. Requirements pertaining to qualifications, training and other matters related to serving as a Private Guardian ad Litem in family court cases are provided in S.C. Code Ann. 63-3-810 et seq. Private Guardians ad Litem usually charge for their time on a case and their fees are usually paid by the parties involved, either by agreement or court order. The Children’s Law Center can provide more information about serving as a Private Guardian ad Litem.