What is the role of an adult who acts in court on behalf of a child in litigation?

The role of an adult who acts in court on behalf of a child in litigation is referred to as a guardian ad litem. This individual is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child during legal proceedings. The guardian ad litem conducts investigations, gathers information, and makes recommendations to the court regarding the child’s welfare and best interests in family law cases, including custody disputes.

This role is critical because it ensures that the child's voice is heard during proceedings where the child cannot advocate for themselves, typically due to their age or understanding of the legal process. The guardian ad litem operates under the guidance and authority of the court, focusing solely on what is best for the child, rather than representing the interests of parents or other parties involved in the litigation.

The other roles mentioned, such as a legal guardian, power of attorney, and court-appointed advocate, involve different responsibilities and contexts in legal matters. A legal guardian is someone who has the legal authority to care for another person, often a minor. A power of attorney is a document that gives another individual the authority to act on someone's behalf in legal or financial matters but does not specifically pertain to representing a child's interests in court. A court-appointed advocate may assist in other roles