Guardian ad litem - Private Family law

[spongedog]

I wondered if anyone has personal experience of a guardian ad litem being appointed and would be willing to describe the process. I would be equally interested in the experiences of solicitors, barristers, social workers, as well as parents. This would be private family law, not a local authority situation. I would like to know the pros and cons of such an appointment - for both the young person concerned and any impact to the parents.

Why?

I think @MrsBertBibby suspects OP has an essay to write(!)

Do come clean OP.

It does sound that way OP.

No sadly my essay writing days are very long over.

Sorry not to reply yesterday but I was at work. I didnt particularly want to post the details but I will.

I am divorced, 1 teenager. There is what can only be described as implacable hostility from the other parent towards me - so anything I suggest for our child is immediately rejected and the opposite choice wanted. Our teenager is struggling in many areas. I cannot get the right support put in place by their independent special needs school and there are also now safeguarding issues (our teenager being the alleged perpetrator). It was suggested to me that a guardian ad litem might be useful to support the teenager and to remove them from the implacable hostility. Both parents have PR and it is 50:50 shared care.

There would need to be a court hearing to get this approved, so before I start to go down what will be another lengthy court hearing I would like to know the pros and cons for my teenager but also for me. My ex has tried repeatedly to take over this child and I am very worried this could be used as another attempt. I have looked at the CAFCASS site but can find little of help. I see getting the LADO involved as a last resort.

I am very happy to do my own research so if you have any useful links - much appreciated.

A r16.4 guardian isn't really going to do what you are describing, and they are only there during proceedings. Do you have any social work involvement?

Is there a particular decision that needs to be made?

If it is more generalised support for the child you want then possibly NYAS could help?

No idea what here would be relevant to LADO, tbh.