Guardian ad Litem
Seeking Applicants for the Court-Appointed Guardian Ad Litem Services Pilot Program
Seeking Applicants for the Court-Appointed Guardian Ad Litem Services Pilot Program
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch Office of Mediation and Arbitration is currently accepting applications for the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Services for Indigent Parents Pilot Program. Successful applicants will be contracted to participate in the program at Circuit Court locations in Franklin, Keene, Laconia, and/or Rochester. GALs appointed in eligible cases will be paid by the court for these services. In accordance with Supreme Court Rule 48-A, those GALs participating in this pilot program will be paid $125 per hour, not to exceed $2,100 per case. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working with indigent parents and self-represented litigants. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2025.
For more information, please email mediation@courts.state.nh.us
In family cases, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan for their children. Typically the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL unless the parties are indigent.
The GAL conducts an investigation which may include interviewing the parents, the children and other persons who may have information relevant to the issues involved. In most cases the GAL prepares a written report which includes a recommended resolution of custody and visitation issues that, in the GAL's estimation, is in the best interest of the children.
The judge or marital master makes the final determination after considering the GAL's recommendation along with all of the other evidence presented in the case.
Certified Guardians ad Litem
Go to: https://forms.nh.gov/licenseverification/, then change License Type to Guardian ad Litem and click "Search". The Guardian ad Litem Board page can be found on the Office of Professional License and Certification website. The guardians ad litem are certified in the Probate Division, the District Division, and Superior Courts and are qualified for appointment in ALL Family Division case types.
Guardian ad litem appointment in Family Division Effective July 1, 2007
Guardian ad litem appointment in Family Division Effective July 1, 2007
- For appointment in Family Division cases of divorce, legal separation, or parental Rights and responsibilities, guardians ad litem must be board certified in the Superior Court.
- For appointment in Family Division cases of juvenile delinquency, children in need of services, abuse and neglect, or domestic violence, guardians ad litem must be board certified in the District Division.
- For appointment in Family Division cases of termination of parental rights, guardianship of minors, or adoption, guardians ad litem must be board certified in the Probate Division.