Guardian Ad Litem

The Guardian ad Litem Service provides children involved in family law proceedings with an independent voice in court. A Guardian Ad Litem is an experienced and qualified person, with expertise in working with children.

A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the Court and advises on what is in the best interest of the child concerned. The Guardian ad Litem also makes the judge aware of the child's own wishes. The Guardian ad Litem consults with the child, the child's family, any other organisations who know the child and the family. These consultations are crucial to ensure that the child's best interests are presented independently to the Court.

The Guardian ad Litem Service was established in 1997 and takes it name from the latin for Guardian At Law. Staff are based in Dublin and Cork, but we have people who work for us outside of these locations and we can cover all areas of Ireland.

Children in family law proceedings remains an area of continued debate. The Guardian ad Litem Service can make a real difference - in the best interests of children and in the interests of justice in promoting better outcomes for children who are subjects of legal proceedings.

How a Guardian ad Litem becomes involved

It is always the Judge who decides if a Guardian ad Litem will be appointed and who it will be. However, anyone involved in certain types of cases can make an application to the court for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem.

Here are some examples of where a Guardian ad Litem should be considered:

Family law

Where there is continued significant disagreement between parents on the care of the children after family breakdown, and where mediation had not help to reach agreement

Children in care

Where a child's liberty is at issue because of behaviour problems, such as special care applications
Where a parent is unable or unwilling to fully participate in the proceedings, or where there are significant nationality, language or cultural differences
Where the child is likely to be placed in long-term care, or where brothers and sisters might be separated
Where the child's wishes differ significantly from the care plan placed before the court
Where there is a substantial dispute over the care plan - especially when there are changes in access between a child and their family

Contacting Us

If you would like more information about our Guardian ad Litem service, please contact one of our offices.

Dublin

A: Barnardos, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8

T: 01 453 0355

F: 01 453 0300

E: guardian@barnardos.ie

Cork

A: Barnardos, The Bowling Green, White Street, Cork

T: 021 431 0591

E: gal@cork.barnardos.ie

About Barnardos

Barnardos supports children whose well-being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland's leading independent children's charity.