Custody Battle

My step-daughter has a Guardian Ad Litem appointed to her. My husband and his daughters mother were never married, and because they were so young at the time of her birth neither parent was not probably able to take care of her. Therefore my mother-in-law has temporary guardianship of her.

So far in my experience, the Guardian Ad Litem has been a good thing. She has interviewed my mother-in-law, my husband and the child's mother. The Guardian Ad Litem has the ability to influence the judge on what she/he believes to be best for the child in question. In my opinion the Guardian Ad Litem is very important. She/He is there to make sure what's right for the child is what happens. In a lot of cases, parents can not agree on visitation, custody, etc. and its very difficult on the child, with a Guardian Ad Litem it makes it a little bit easier.

My husband and I are currently doing what we need to do in order to make his daughter a permanent part of our family. The Guardian Ad Litem has been a tremendous help!

I am not sure what you can do to show that you are a good parent. There are several things that classify a parent as good. My suggestion would be to talk to the Guardian Ad Litem, which I am sure she is going to want to do anyways.

I would not worry about living with your boyfriend, so long as he is a positive influence in your daughters life.

I hope this helps. =)

a guardian ad litem is appointed when 2 parties cannot agree on a costody situation.it sucks but they are not the bad guy. they just oversee what is going on in the homes and what would be best suited for the child as far as living arrangments go and schedules and the biggest of all how you parent your child.

I disagree with the other people on here. I am 23 and a single mom. I realize all the struggles you are going through with divorce and custody and things. I think that if you are happy with your boyfriend and he is good to your child there is no reason that you cant be there with him. I have been told in the past that you have to take care of yourself first in order to take care of your children. You have to be happy to be a great mom.
Also I wouldn't worry too much about them people coming into your house, just show them how much you love your child and that she does come first in your life and there shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure your Ex is going to get visitations but that really isn't a bad thing either she needs both of you in her life.
I hope this helped a little.

Hello K.,
The best thing you can do is be yourself! Dont "try" to show your a good parent because I am sure you are. Just be yourself because the guardian ad litem was trained to read fake people. You'll be fine!
Good luck
Sincelry H.

As a teacher I have dealt with guardian ad litems. His/her job is to make sure your child's needs are being met. You ask what you can do to show you are a good parent. First off, if you can afford it, get your own apartment for you and your daughter and no sleep overs from your boyfriend. I am not a prude but it will be considered inappropriate by the courts if you live with a boyfriend or have one sleeping at your home while your child is there. Move in with a female room mate, sister, mother or family member if you need to. ZIf your boyfriend is really "wonderful" he will understand and will do whatever he can to support you in this decision. If he gives you a hard time you may want to rethink the "wonderful" part and rethink if this is really the time in your lives (yours and your daughter's) to start another relationship.

Show them that you have a routine with your child: bedtimes are at the same time, snack time, playtime, etc on weekends. They may also interview your child's daycare provider to make sure she appears happy and healty. Good luck to you!

Hi Kira,
You just need to be yourself. Do not try to "act" they are trained to see that.
The Guardian is appointed when there are allegations, or disputes between the parties. This is a way a Judge can get insight into the life of your child. The judge only has a few minutes to make a life decision, this gives him a little more info.
Good luck

You shouldn't be living with any man while in the process of a divorce. Your focus should be on your child, not on establishing a new relationship for yourself. Sorry to be so blunt. Tune in to Dr. Laura every afternoon...or check her website: www.drlaura.com
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Understand, please, that I am only helping you as I know the courts are not going to look so favorable in a custody battle of a "live in boyfriend". Why isn't he marrying you? If he is wonderful and good to you and your daughter that would make a tremendous difference. Does he work? Do you? Do you have family to lean on for childcare assistance? Can you go to school part time in the eves? Can you move home with mom and dad for support? Does he have children in the house too? What if you get pregnant again? There are a lot of things to consider in your lifestyle that a court will take into consideration on "best placement for child". Good luck and I hope you do tune in to Dr. Laura. If anything, she can give you the insight and strength to do what is right...and in the end, it will be the most beneficial to you and your daughter. Take care and I'll pray for you.