In Rhode Island (RI), A guardian ad litem is a individual who represents the hypothetical best interest of the minor child in a child custody, visitation or other type of Family Court case. The Guardian is not a lawyer for the minor child!

Guardians are frequently used in in contentious custody cases when the parties can afford the additional expense.The judge could make an appointment 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