First Adopted: May 20, 2009
Most Recently Effective: September 01, 2011
Appendix C | Standards with Comments for Guardians ad Litem in Juvenile and Family Court Division Matters |
Standard 01.0 | Appointment of Guardians ad Litem
When appointing a guardian ad litem for a child, the court shall only appoint a lawyer licensed by the Supreme Court who has completed the training required by these standards.
The court may designate a court appointed special advocate volunteer to assist in the performance of the guardian ad litem duties for the court as provided by law.
Comment
If the court is presented with a petition or motion to modify under section 211.031.1, RSMo, requesting that a child be placed in temporary protective custody, the court immediately shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child. In all other family law related court matters provided in chapters 210, 452, 453, and 455, RSMo, the guardian ad litem shall be appointed not later than the first proceeding at which a guardian ad litem is required by law. The guardian ad litem shall serve until the matter is concluded or as otherwise ordered by the court.
Lawyers appointed to act as guardians ad litem shall act in accordance with the rules of professional conduct.
A non-lawyer court appointed special advocate volunteer shall not serve as guardian ad litem or provide legal representation for the child as provided by law.
(Adopted May 20, 2009, effective January 1, 2010. Amended August 29, 2011, effective September 1, 2011.)