Texas Man Condemned to Die Tuesday Claims Trial Judge, DA Had Intimate Relationship Jun 14, 2008
Hood alleges that Holland had appointed O'Connell to "an inordinate number of high-fee guardian ad litem cases" and to a number of civil cases from 1983 through 1986, when O'Connell was not the district attorney. Hood also alleges that Holland served as an informal adviser on O'Connell's campaign steering committee. (Law.com)
New program gives children a voice in court Jun 14, 2008
Circuit Court Judge Jay Toney said a 2005 change in the law required that every child involved in court actions have a court appointed advocate or guardian ad litem to represent their interests ... " He said children's advocates are an important aid for young people while also cost effective for county government."Over time, there's no question the advocates are better able to do the things that need to be done," he said. "And it's less expensive than providing guardian ad litems, which are... (Winchester News-Gazette, IN)
Agencies ask county for cash for raises Jun 6, 2008
Gen Tuma, clerk of district court, was worried about additional funding for the guardian ad litem program, but also wanted to make sure the commissioners paid attention to her budget salary line item. "It's easier for me to do an across the board raise, but I looked at what I thought people needed for merit raises," Tuma said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Church license revoked for 'gambling' Jun 6, 2008
They said the operation benefited charities, including children's charities like the Eighth Judicial Circuit's Guardian ad Litem program. It does so, they claimed, through the sale of phone cards and not through the sale of chances to play one of the many computerized games in the facility. (Bradford County Telegraph, FL)
Texas high court crushes FLDS custody case May 30, 2008
She has been a guardian ad litem -- an attorney representing children's interests -- in child protection cases for 16 years and is also the director of Texas Lawyers for Children. "This case involves the systematic rape of minor children -- conduct that is institutionalized and euphemistically called 'spiritual marriage,'" she wrote. (CNN -- US)
Morgan Middle School Teacher named Ellensburg Teacher of the year. May 30, 2008
Houston says she is interested in becoming a guardian ad litem after she is through teaching. Guardian ad litem represent the child in various legal situations. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Guardian program will change in 2009 May 24, 2008
State statute changes mean the county will pay 5 percent more for guardian ad litem cases during the next fiscal year, according to state public defender Diane Lozano ... Through the guardian ad litem program, court-appointed attorneys represent the interests of juveniles in abuse and neglect cases. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Rants and Raves May 20, 2008
She conspired with a guardian ad litem to discredit us and have our child removed from our home. The judge in the matter saw through both of these women, and both of these women were threatened with lawsuits if they did not step away from the case. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
George Magee (from left) and his wife Paula, Leo Gielas and Deborah Hall are four of 23 court appointed Guardian ad Litem volunteers that serve 218 children in Columbia County. The volunteers also cover Dixie, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Madison and Taylor Counties. Were like a second set of eyes for the protection of these children, said Hall, who has been a Guardian ad Litem for 10 years. JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter May 16, 2008
Guardian ad Litem program looking for volunteers. George Magee (from left) and his wife Paula, Leo Gielas and Deborah Hall are four of 23 court appointed Guardian ad Litem volunteers that serve 218 children in Columbia County ... Were like a second set of eyes for the protection of these children, said Hall, who has been a Guardian ad Litem for 10 years. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Fulton County Board approves funding for bridge work May 15, 2008
--Approved Stephanie Johnson as Guardian Ad Litem. --Approved a transfer of 15,000 to the county Extension Service to be repaid when the service has received its tax money. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Children’s Justice Center: A ‘comfortable place’ for kids May 13, 2008
The child is interviewed one time and anyone who has a right or a need to that information, such as therapists, the county attorney or the guardian ad litem can use that tape to get the information and the child never has to tell the story again unless it happens to go to court. Q: How else is the CJC involved in cases. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Mother’s Day miracles May 10, 2008
One of the jobs of the guardian ad litem is to look out the children s best interest, Etheridge said. Mother s Day is celebrated in countries throughout the world and first began in the United States to honors mothers everywhere. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Longview native faces civil commitment trial May 8, 2008
Court records say he has mild mental retardation and a guardian ad litem has been appointed to safeguard LaBaum s interests. Even if he s not committed, and thus set free, it s doubtful he could live on his own without some state assistance, Meyer said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Her convictions put her on activist path May 4, 2008
CAREER: Currently a community organizer for Democracy North Carolina; legal intern, N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, 2005; policy intern, Action for Children, 2006; guardian ad litem, Orange County, 2004-07; University of Michigan Law School Henry Bergstrom Child Welfare Fellow, 2006. HOBBIES: Cooking and baking; spending time with her dog, Reese; reading; thrift shopping. (News & Observer)
Test done on James II May 3, 2008
Mr. Rosen said the attorney for James II's court-appointed guardian ad litem, Peter Shahid, had the test done and has shared the results with attorneys involved in the case. "I've seen the test," Mr. Rosen said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Belfast Police warned of lawsuit for pepper spray incident at Sweetser May 2, 2008
The incident occurred Dec. 20 after Sweetser personnel called the police to deal with the boy, according to Michael Carpenter, a Houlton attorney who serves as guardian ad litem for the child. City Manager Joseph Slocum said he thought the officer followed proper procedures, and he isnt sure the state will actually file suit. (Courier Publications, ME)
Attorney Discusses Teens' Rights in Custody Disputes May 2, 2008
"It has been my experience that judges listen to the child, regardless of age. They also listen to the guardian ad litem. A GAL should be appointed when there are allegations of abuse or neglect. Either party can ask for a GAL, even without abuse or neglect allegations," Brownlee said. The guardian ad litem's role has evolved to be an adviser to the court, although the court is not bound by the GAL recommendations, she explained. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Attorneys Awarded $218 Million for Work in Overturned Smokers' Class Action That Laid Groundwork for Other Suits Apr 16, 2008
Tobacco attorney Robert Heim, a partner with Dechert in Philadelphia, told Miller "it would be wrong under common fund law" to award fees to the Rosenblatts, saying a guardian ad litem should be appointed to administer a fund "to protect the interests of the class.". The fees would come out of a common "guaranteed fund" of about $800 million that Big Tobacco put up as collateral in 2001 to appeal along with a class certification order uniting sick smokers in a single lawsuit. (Law.com)
A voice for children: Group looks to start volunteer advocate programPosted 12 hours, 7 minutes ago. Apr 13, 2008
A group of people is working to bring a court-appointed special advocate/guardian ad litem program to Allen County. Currently, only paid attorneys work as guardian ad litems in Allen County, learning about children and their circumstances and providing the courts with that as well as informed recommendations on children s best interests ... Guardian ad litems many times provide the only stability for abused and neglected children and they provide a truly independent voice in the court, along... (Lima News, OH)
Letters for Saturday, April 12, 2008 Apr 12, 2008
I am a Guardian Ad Litem for family court here on the island of Kauai. I have spent years helping child victims. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Mental Health Reforms Apr 11, 2008
(Howell) provides that a court shall appoint a guardian ad litem and counsel for a minor for involuntary commitment hearings and proceedings for the judicial approval of the admission for inpatient treatment of a minor 14 years of age or older over his objections. Further Study of Mental Health Reform. (WTVR.com, VA)
CPS calls polygamist sect its largest case Apr 8, 2008
Within the next two weeks, each child will be appointed a guardian ad litem and an attorney ad litem to represent their interests. A "full adversarial hearing" on the state custody has been set for April 17. (Houston Chronicle)
Programs for volatile custody cases to end Two programs for children in custody cases in jeopardy Apr 3, 2008
Often those notes help prove or disprove abuse allegations, said Brenda Green, a local family attorney and guardian ad litem, which is a court-appointed advocate for a child involved in a case. Many parents have supervised visitation as part of their custody agreements. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Guardian ad Litem group honors Rep. Kravitz's work Apr 3, 2008
com: Guardian ad Litem group honors Rep ... Guardian ad Litem group honors Rep ... The Florida Guardian ad Litem Association has honored state Rep. (Florida Times-Union)
The future of the surviving Lester Street children Mar 29, 2008
She was was appointed guardian ad litem just days after police discovered the bodies inside 722 Lester. In essence, she is a voice for these kids in court because they're too young to speak for themselves. (WREG.com, TN)
Magazine disputes paternity by Brown Mar 29, 2008
No paternity test has been done on the child, whose court-appointed guardian ad litem has challenged the singer's will to get the boy a share of Mr. Brown's estate. Neither James II nor his mother were mentioned in the singer's 2000 will, which was drafted before the child was born and before Mr. and Mrs. Brown exchanged vows. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Specialty License Plates Fund BYU Grants Mar 26, 2008
The "Children's Issues" specialty plate separates their funds between the Guardian Ad Litem Services account and the Children's Museum of Utah ... The "Children's Issues" specialty plate separates their funds between the Guardian Ad Litem Services account and the Children's Museum of Utah. (The Daily Universe, UT)
Court opening draws a crowd Mar 22, 2008
She has also served as director for the Guardian Ad Litem Program and a general master for Family Court cases as well as a mediator for Family Court and dependency cases. She started her tenure in the Keys in 1988 in her own private practice. (Florida Keys Keynoter)
Program offers chance to help abused child Mar 18, 2008
OUR VIEW: Guardian ad Litem program is opportunity to help ... Springtime represents a new opportunity to help, with training upcoming soon for the Guardian ad Litem program ... If you feel re-energized by the changing of the seasons and are willing to share that with others, consider volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem for an abused child. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Chance to run for judge excites Anderl Mar 16, 2008
She established a successful practice here, handling family law, contested custody, guardian ad litem cases, a recent focus on elder law, municipal law, contracts and business formation. She picked up experience as a prosecutor as Chippewa Falls municipal attorney, and judicial experience as a county court commissioner. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Dunagan found guilty - Former judge jailed; sentencing set for April 22 Feb 27, 2008
wrote on Feb 26, 2008 6:04 AM:" Could this be your judge, attorney, DA, or Guardian ad Litem?? All members of the BAR and all isolated from the law. ". MORE News. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
More of this story Feb 23, 2008
There were thousands of bees on the outside window at the Guardian Ad Litem office. There are bats in the courthouse. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Trial Looms Over Man Removed From Parents' Care Feb 21, 2008
The court-appointed guardian ad litem assigned to the case recommended that "Andrew be returned to the family residence.". ENCOR director Bob Brinker and vocational supervisor Sara McCormick said that because of pending litigation and confidentiality, they cannot discuss the case. (7 KETV Omaha)
County candidates shower city with plans Feb 20, 2008
I am a certified guardian ad litem and a certified public accountant, he said. A judge needs humility and a judge needs empathy, he said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Public-defense costs over budget Feb 17, 2008
Rates for guardian ad litem, cases involving individuals who aren't competent to represent themselves, increased 150 percent this year, to $2,500 from $1,000, although caseload dropped by 15 percent. The deepest overruns occurred in the adult felony representation program, which saw an 83 percent increase from what was anticipated. (AZCentral -- News)
Adoption case decided Feb 16, 2008
Roger Baron, from the state s Office of Guardian Ad Litem, represented the young girl, and he too made mention of the indictment. Obviously, the major negative with the Banks is the federal criminal charges waiting to be tried, Baron said. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Supervisors fill week of meetings Jan 30, 2008
Approved Judge Joey Loper's appointments to public defender's posts and acknowledged the public defender's would continue as guardian ad litem for one year. Approved two Sixteen Section leases from which Supervisor Peterson recused himself. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
»Volunteers needed for Guardian ad Litem program Jan 29, 2008
Volunteers needed for Guardian ad Litem program ... Volunteers are needed for the Guardian ad Litem program in Richmond County ... A Guardian ad Litem is a community volunteer appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Richmond County Department of Social Services. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
CASA Volunteers are Changing Lives Jan 28, 2008
Barbara spends most of her volunteer time with the child she is appointed to, clocking significantly more time with them, on average, than a paid guardian ad litem (GAL) or social workers who are assigned to the case. The stark reality here is that social workers are often overworked with numerous cases assigned to their case loads, with their time and energy needing to be spread evenly over everyone concerned- birth parents, children, extended family and other parties involved. (Suite101.com)
Not a job for faint of heart Jan 20, 2008
AIKEN --- Gary Watson thought he was prepared for the types of abuse and neglect he would see when he first became a guardian ad litem ... Nancy Daly has been a guardian ad litem for two years, signing up after she retired to Aiken from New Jersey ... BECOMING A GUARDIAN AD LITEM. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Letters to the editor (1/16/08) Jan 17, 2008
I represented children as a guardian ad litem in the South Carolina family courts. I was constantly frustrated at the system that required children's services to reunite families at all costs. (Anchorage Daily News)
New Wayne commissioners stick to their roots Jan 13, 2008
For the past 26 years, Mr, Kay has been a court-appointed guardian ad litem for minors, meaning that he is involved in their legal interests. Mr. Kay said he s worked with hundreds and hundreds of kids over the years, and plans to see his current cases to the end though, as a commissioner, he won t be billing the county. (Scranton Times, PA)
Free children from families that aren't Jan 10, 2008
The "families" I work with as a guardian ad litem minimally meet that definition; there are usually a man and a woman living together and there are kids in the home. Because of that, the state is required to try and reunite the family and can find other permanent placements for children only after all avenues of reunification have been exhausted. (Anchorage Daily News)
A new home for Max Jan 9, 2008
However, the transfer did not happen because the guardian ad litem, or attorney appointed by a judge to assist the court, was out of town. Therefore, the transfer was delayed. (The Examiner)
Supervisors open year with lengthy agenda Jan 9, 2008
The board requested Hathorn discuss with the county's two part-time public defenders if they would continue to handle Guardian ad Litem cases as part of their duties. The board tabled the approval of the 31,000 a year salaries until the next meeting. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
Ex-Jag, Wife In Court For Child Abuse Case Jan 9, 2008
Guardian ad litem Bob Anderson told the court the Tylski's then-foster child told him her leg was broken by Janie Tylski. "She put her hand on the table and said, 'My mother took my leg and made me do the splits.' She said, 'She did that a couple times and I heard a crack,'" Anderson said. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Baby caught in adoption drama Jan 4, 2008
But the transfer from the foster family, Scott and Tandy Kraus, to the Stocklaufer's did not happen because the guardian ad litem, or attorney appointed by a judge to assist the court, was out of town, according to another published article. When contacted Wednesday, a spokesperson for Jackson County Court's public information office said it was unclear what will happen next, and said only that court officials are reviewing the matter. (The Examiner)
Cobb has thousands for crime victims, other cases Dec 24, 2007
If you believe there is money in the escrow account from condemnation, right-of-way acquisitions or guardian ad litem payments in divorce cases, you must file an "order to disperse" with the clerk's office. The order must be signed by a judge, who may hold a hearing. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Wife who killed pastor can see kids Dec 21, 2007
The court specified the visits be supervised by a guardian ad litem appointed to represent the children's interests and supervised by members of the couple Winkler is living with or by her sister ... They said the lower court erred by failing to appoint the guardian ad litem until after the September hearing. (CNN)
I-Team: Missing Girl's Parents Give Up Rights to Children Dec 14, 2007
Everlyse's guardian ad litem believes any pay-out should be held in a trust for Everlyse or for her siblings. More Top Stories on LasVegasNow. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Robert Massi: Celebrity Justice and the Armchair... Dec 5, 2007
The next thing you know, your elderly uncle is discussing the finer points of guardian ad litem and intestacy over dinner. As a practicing lawyer, I am well aware that an educated client is a client who will get the most out of the system. (Fox News)
Candidates emerge for judge seat Nov 30, 2007
She began her law practice in 1984 and has handled family law, contested custody and guardian ad litem cases, with a more recent focus on elder law, municipal law, contracts and business formation. She has experience as a prosecutor as Chippewa Falls municipal attorney, and judicial experience as county court commissioner for more than a decade. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Frank Farrell cites experience in bid for school board Nov 23, 2007
Farrell currently serves in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court as a Guardian ad Litem and Surrogate Parent/Educational Advocate for children with learning issues. He also serves on the Committee for Child Advocacy at Seamark Ranch in Penney Farms, the Board of Directors of Voices for Children of the First Coast, and as a member of the Clay County Citizen's Advisory Committee on School Concurrency. (Florida Times-Union)
Son welcomed into family on National Adoption Day Nov 22, 2007
They do the work the judge can't do; they act as a liaison for the judge and answer to the guardian ad litem, he said. She was great because she really looked out for our son's best interests. (Enumclaw Courier Herald, WA)
27 children get new homes on Adoption Day Nov 20, 2007
A volunteer for Child Advocates of Fort Bend served as their guardian ad litem, and Jones said he and his wife worked with the Depelchin's Center to slowly become familiar with the siblings. It's a gradual process, he said. (Rosenberg Herald-Coaster, TX)
Court Worker Charged in Connection with Abduction Nov 17, 2007
Friday, police charged Cynthia Cameron, 59, a Rutland Family Court guardian ad litem, for being an accomplice in the abduction of a young girl. Police say Cameron got criminally involved in a bitter custody case by helping the girl's mother abduct and hide her 8-year-old daughter from the child's father. (WCAX.com, VT)
Fernandina's new city attorney at work Nov 17, 2007
In 1999, she served as guardian ad litem for Polk County, representing neglected and abused children. The next year, she moved on to Largo. (Florida Times-Union)
Guardian motion for Logan victim withdrawn Nov 16, 2007
Abraham said Nov. 8 that he filed the motion for a guardian ad litem because he had concerns that people in Megan Williams social sphere and people around her were allowing her to do media events that were not in her best interest. A guardian ad litem is normally appointed in cases where minors are involved, to protect the legal interests of the minor, he said. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Commentary: Defending children's rights Nov 10, 2007
She has been given legal custody -- as guardian ad litem -- of more than 600 children of undocumented immigrants from all around the country. It is estimated that around 5 million U.S.-born children in this country have at least one parent who is undocumented. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Guardian sought for Megan Williams Nov 9, 2007
I filed a motion for a guardian ad litem out of concern that the people in her social sphere and the people around her may be allowing things, media events, that are not in Megans best interest or in the best interest of her case, Abraham said Thursday ... A guardian ad litem is normally appointed in cases where minors are involved, to protect the legal interests of the minor, he said. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Nurturing a garden Oct 24, 2007
ROWLAND Betty Colville raised four children and has been a volunteer for a Guardian Ad Litem group for the past 15 years. She also knows how to nurture the many plants, bushes, trees and garden beds on her 15-acre property. (Lumberton The Robesonian, NC)
Local business brief Oct 22, 2007
A percentage of proceeds will benefit Guardian Ad Litem, a network of professional staff and community advocates working on behalf of the area's abused and neglected children. Tickets are $10 and include food, two drink tickets and the opportunity to win prizes. (Pensacola News Journal)
DHS, courts split on custody case Oct 19, 2007
For now, he will try to move jurisidiction of the case from Texas to Iowa, then pursue an independent guardian for his children in the case, called a guardian ad litem. M3. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Stern: Dannielynn be sole Anna heir Oct 19, 2007
BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The lawyer who served as court-appointed guardian ad litem for Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead is suing Anna Nicole Smith's infant daughter for almost 200,000 U.S. dollars. Richard Milstein has filed paperwork in state court in Broward County, Florida, seeking 198,493. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lawyer for Anna Nicole's daughter seeks payment Oct 17, 2007
His lawyer Nancy Hass says, "It's outrageous. I'm a guardian ad litem (legal guardian), too, and I always reduce my fees when I deal with children."A lot of work produced (by Milstein) was unnecessary. "Photographer Birkhead was proved to be the father of Smith's baby in April after a lengthy paternity battle with the model/actress' longtime companion, Howard K. Stern. Copyright World Entertainment News Network Save/Share Story Email Story To Email: To Email is Required. A valid email address... (FOX23.com, OK)
