TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Liz Slagle Todaro on Jan 10, 2025

This week's installment of TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. The new post provides more information about the role, responsibilities and resources for guardians ad litem (GALs), including the obligation to advocate for the best interests of a child, ensuring their needs are fully considered in legal decisions. In many instances, family law cases can be complex and emotionally charged; a GAL ensures that decisions are made based on the child’s needs, rather than the adult participants’ desires. Often the cases the GAL is involved with include not only legal problems, but also social, economic or health issues that may be relevant. In Tennessee, Supreme Court Rule 40 sets forth guidelines and responsibilities of GALs in juvenile court neglect, abuse and dependency proceedings, including special considerations when a child's best interests are in conflict with their expressed wishes. Read all past primer posts.