What is a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem is a legal representative appointed by a court to represent the best interests of a child in legal proceedings, particularly in cases concerning custody, divorce, or child welfare. This individual is tasked with gathering information, conducting interviews, and advocating for the child's needs and best interest during the legal process. The primary goal of a guardian ad litem is to ensure that the child's voice is heard and considered in decisions that may affect their life and welfare.

The other choices do not accurately describe the role of a guardian ad litem. While a parent with sole custody is concerned with the care of the child, that role is distinctly different from that of a guardian ad litem, who is not a parent and solely advocates for the child's interests in a legal context. A family counselor usually provides therapeutic support rather than legal representation, and a social worker responsible for visitation would primarily focus on overseeing interactions, rather than acting in a legal capacity to represent a child's interests.