INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOTION AND ORDER FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM The court has authority to appoint an attorney for the minor child(ren). This attorney is called Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). The attorney is appointed to represent the best interests of the child(ren) and to make recommendations to the court about issues that effect the child(ren). Some of those issues are custody/allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time and child support. It is important that you understand that the attorney does not represent either you or the other parent. The GAL will, however, probably meet with both of you to discuss the child(ren). If you have concerns regarding the other parent asking for custody/parental responsibilities or parenting time, you may request that the court appoint an attorney for the child(ren) by filing a Motion and Order for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem. Both parents will pay the cost for the GAL. If you cannot afford to pay the cost, the court may appoint the GAL and have the State of Colorado pay. You may, however, be required to reimburse this expense at some point in time. 1. Complete the appropriate information in the motion. You will need to specify the reason you are requesting a GAL. 2. Make two copies of the motion and order -- one for yourself, and one for the other parent. Complete the Certificate of Mailing indicating that a copy has been sent to the other parent. 3. File the original motion and order and two copies of the order in the clerk’s office, along with the completed Certificate of Mailing. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send the other parent a copy of the signed order when you receive it from the court. 4. Complete a financial affidavit. File the original with the court and make two copies - one for yourself, and one for the other party. This will assist the court in determining whether you will pay for a portion of the GAL fees. JDF 1511 I R7/00 INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOTION AND ORDER FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. q District Court _________________________________________ County, Colorado Court Address: In the Interest of: Petitioner: Respondent/Co-Petitioner: COURT USE ONLY Attorney or Party Without Attorney (Name and Address): Phone Number: FAX Number: Case Number: E-mail: Atty. Reg.#: Division MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM Courtroom I, _______________________________________________________________, the q Petitioner or q Respondent/Co-Petitioner, requests this court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem on behalf of the minor child in this case, and state as follows: 1. There remain unresolved issues between the parties regarding: q q q q 2. Paternity Child Support Custody/Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Other: It is appropriate that the child receive proper representation. Date: q Petitioner OR q Respondent/Co-Petitioner Address City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________ (Area Code) Telephone Number (home and work) JDF 1511 R7/00 MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GAL PAGE 1 OF 2 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that on (date) the original and one copy of this document were filed with the court; and, a true and accurate copy of the MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM was served on the other party by q Hand Delivery OR q Faxed to this OR q by placing it in the United States mail, postage pre-paid, number and addressed to the following: TO: (Your signature) JDF 1511 R7/00 MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GAL PAGE 2 OF 2 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc.