The TBA continues to share resources across communication platforms to help educate Tennessee lawyers about the state's system of indigent representation, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals' right to counsel is provided for. This article highlights the training and skills needed to serve as a guardian ad litem.

January 10, 2025

Guardians ad litem (GALs) play a pivotal role in cases involving children, as advocates for the best interests of a child and helping to ensure that the child's voice is heard and their needs are fully considered in legal decisions. GALs serve as independent advocates for the child’s well-being and provide the court with an objective, child-centered perspective that may not be evident from the perspectives of the parents or other parties involved. 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 are relevant to the proceeding.

In Tennessee, Supreme Court Rule 40 sets forth guidelines and responsibilities of GALs in juvenile court neglect, abuse and dependency proceedings. To become a GAL, attorneys must complete training to prepare for the role, which requires knowledge not only of family law, but also understanding of child development, child abuse and neglect, ethical considerations, and skills for working with children and adults involved in the case. Training and resources are also provided to support the administrative and reporting requirements of the role.

A recent episode of Tennessee Court Talk, an educational podcast from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), addressed the crucial role of GALs in Tennessee, and shared insights from both attorneys and judges (scroll to Episode 43 on Dec. 6, 2024, to listen to the discussion). The AOC has more information on the requirements and resources for attorneys interested in serving as guardians ad litem. Serving as a GAL is both challenging and rewarding, requiring empathy, investigative skills and understanding of child welfare. The role can make a positive impact for families, and help ensure children's best interests are upheld.

Get Involved

The TBA is looking for your input! Share your questions or topics that you would like to hear about in this series. There are several ways to connect with TBA to share your questions or experiences with indigent representation. Attorneys interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots advocacy efforts can sign up for TBA Grassroots Advocacy Updates, which will highlight related policy content across all of TBA's communication platforms. Attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable, should complete this survey, which includes specific questions about court appointed representation. Looking for more information? Check out our Indigent Representation Resource page.