Guardian ad Litem

Tori White has participated as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for the Fulton County Superior Family Court under the guidance of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer’s Foundation. This program provides advocates who represent the best interests of abused, neglected children and children of parents involved in high-conflict custody disputes in court. They play a pivotal investigative role assisting the family court judge in ascertaining the best interests of your child. The Guardian’s role is to investigate the allegations and issues in each case and to try to help the court act in the children’s best interest. Guardians are frequently able to facilitate settlement of the family’s dispute to help minimize the impact of the dispute on the children, and a very large percentage of our GAL cases settle before trial.

As a Guardian ad Litem in your case, we will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine what is in the best interest of the children. This investigation includes individual meetings with each parent and child, as well as observing interactions between children and parents. The GAL may also visit the homes of each parent, and interview third-party witnesses provided by each parent. Additionally, the GAL may review medical, educational, and governmental records pertaining to the children or parent(s).

Throughout the investigation, we often offer solutions to parents when they are unable to agree about minor parenting issues. We communicate to the parties and/or their attorneys about the GAL’s recommendations and what is believed to be in the best interest of the children. We often find that this communication assists parents in reaching a mutually agreeable parenting plan without the need for a bench trial. However, when agreements do not happen, Tori White Legal Group is there to support your children by participating in all necessary court appearances.