In Rhode Island (RI), A guardian ad litem is an individual  appointed by a Family Court Judge. The Guardian represents the hypothetical best interest of the minor child in a Child Custody, Rhode Island Divorce , Visitation or other type of Family Court case. The Guardian ad litem is not a lawyer for the minor child! Guardians are frequently used in contentious custody cases when the parties have the resources to afford a guardian. The judge could make an appointment of a Guardian or the parties can agree to a guardian being appointed. If the parties cannot afford a guardian, the Court can have Rhode Island Family Services do a home study and investigation for free. A guardian is typically a Rhode Island Lawyer / Attorney who has been certified by the Family Court. They are required Read more [...]