A guardian ad litem has a duty to notify the court if the caseload reaches a level bearing upon the guardian ad litem’s ability to meet these standards or to comply with the ethical standards of the rules of professional conduct.

The appointing court is responsible for making certain each lawyer appointed as a guardian ad litem is able to meet his or her obligations to the child. These obligations include those required under these standards and those required under the ethical and professional standards of a lawyer.

In making guardian ad litem appointments, each court will be familiar with its jurisdiction, being mindful of the amount of time that is necessary to perform the guardian ad litem’s duties under these standards. Additionally, the court should take into account if a court appointed special advocate volunteer is available to assist in the performance of the guardian ad litem duties for the court.