The Role of a Guardian Ad Litem in a Termination of Parental Rights Proceeding.

Abstract

A guardian ad litem (GAL) may be appointed for many different reasons: disputes regarding child custody, visitation, support, emancipation, or alleged incapacity of a person. Ann. 14-2-312, in relevant part: "After the petition [to terminate parental rights] has been filed, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child unless the court finds the interests of the child will be represented adequately by the petitioner or another party to the action and are not adverse to that party....The Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure, including the right of a parent, child or interested person to demand a jury trial, are applicable in actions brought under this act (emphasis added)." The statutory provisions setting forth the requirements for termination of parental rights include factors directly related to the child's well-being.