Subcommittee approves amendment to require attorneys as guardian ad litem in represented custody cases, preserves limited lay appointments

The Domestic Relations Business and Probate Law Subcommittee on Thursday gave House Bill 3622 a favorable report as amended, moving toward a requirement that guardian ad litems (GALs) in private child custody and visitation cases be licensed attorneys when parties are represented.

The amendment, offered during the meeting, lets parties "regardless of representation status" mutually agree in writing and with court approval to appoint a lay guardian ad litem, gives judges discretion to appoint either a lay or attorney GAL based on the circumstances, and preserves the ability of individuals already serving in pending cases to continue in those roles unaffected by…