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Guardian ad litem (GAL)

By , About.com Guide

Definition:

A Guardian ad litem or GAL is a person, often an attorney, appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child, a ward, or an unborn infant in a particular court case.

In some areas a Court Appointed Special advocate or CASA and a GAL are the same person, but in other areas a court case may find a CASA as well as a GAL representing a child.

Also Known As: GAL

May be known as a CASA in some areas

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