- School—What subjects do they like? What do they like to take for lunch? …
- Friends—Who are their friends? What do they like to do together?
- Interests—Do they play any sports? …
- Family—Who are the members of their family?
Preparing for the Guardian Ad Litem Interview
Interviews for Top Jobs at Florida Guardian ad Litem Program
Child Advocate Manager Interview
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Florida Guardian ad Litem Program
Interview
Interview by three staff members. They use the same questions for all candidates. You’re provided with a written copy of the questions. Also, had to complete written problem solving exercise.
- Name a time when you didn’t follow the rules.
Staff Attorney Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Florida Guardian ad Litem Program
Interview
interview with circuit director, supervising attorney, and regional supervising attorney. the circuit director is not an attorney, so I do not recall this person being as engaged in the process… she may have asked me how I am with technology.hypotheticals, personality and work-style questions. not sure what the process is now, as the attorneys interviewing me are no longer with the GAL Program.
- motivation for wanting to work here
Child Advocate Manager Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Florida Guardian ad Litem Program in Jan 2022
Interview
There were sixteen questions divided among three interviewees. One man and two women conducted the interview. Benefits were discussed in the beginning. Inquiries that one had were requested to hold to the end.
- How would I motivate my volunteers?
Follow court orders. The judge may have ordered you to get a drug or alcohol evaluation, go to parenting class, or get batterers treatment. Do what the court orders as soon as possible, even if the other parent is not obeying the order. Keep at it. It might take several weeks to get an appointment. Even if you think you do not have the problem, get any evaluations the court order recommends. This can be frustrating. The judge may have ordered you to do many things. However, if you have a problem, such as substance abuse, that the judge thinks interferes with your parenting, this is your chance to address it before the judge makes a final custody decision. If you do not have the problem the judge has ordered evaluated, the info you get from the evaluation can prove it.
When you get the report, try to respond in writing to any mistakes you think the evaluator made. You should usually use a Declaration. Explain what you disagree with. Point out any discrepancies in the report. You must give any written response to all parties, the GAL, and the court (including a “working papers” copy for the judge) before the hearing.
Try to keep stable housing. If you move around a lot, it may look like you cannot give the children a stable home. (Note: If you are moving to avoid domestic violence, tell the evaluator that.) You might have to move due to financial or other problems. Do what you can to help the children cope with the move. Examples: take them to counseling. Get their teachers to help ready them for a new school.
Put on a calm front. In the interview and in every call with the evaluator, try to be polite and calm. You can ask questions and disagree politely if you have to. Try not to lose your temper, even if you think the evaluator is rude to you. The GAL will not have much time to get to know you. They may form an opinion of you based on your conversations.
If you disagree with a negative GAL report, talk to a lawyer. Read When you Disagree with a Guardian Ad Litem Report. If you have a very low income, call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 weekdays between 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. If you live in King County, call 211 for info and referral to a legal services provider weekdays between 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. This publication provides general information concerning your rights and responsibilities. It is not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice. This information is current as of December 2019.
Knowing what to expect enables you to prepare
While some divorces are amicable, contentious divorces are common, and the implications for minor children involved in proceedings can be profound. To ensure a childs well-being is protected throughout, the court has the right to appoint whats known as a Guardian Ad Litem to look out for their interests. In Wisconsin, the Guardian Ad Litem will be a court-appointed attorney to represent your children’s best interests.
The Guardian Ad Litem, or GAL, is a neutral party in the proceedings who is responsible for conducting an investigation and forging a recommendation for the court on any contested child-related issues including custody, placement and parenting time. Either party in a divorce case can request to have a Guardian Ad Litem assigned. Having a GAL can help reduce court fees and the number of hearings needed if both parties agree to follow the recommendation put forth by the GAL.
FAQ
How do you make a good impression on a guardian ad litem?
- First Impressions at the GAL Office. As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is definitely the case with a GAL. …
- First Impressions at the Home Visit. …
- Don’t Put the Child in the Middle. …
- Be Honest. …
- Stay In Touch.
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