A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is a person the court appoints to represent the best interests of a child in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case. The purpose of the GAL is to investigate the family situation and advise the court about where he or she thinks the child should live and what type of contact the parents should have with their children. A GAL can be a great asset to a case in helping the court decide what should happen regarding the children. Many times the GAL is seen as the eyes and ears of the court. Unfortunately, the cost of hiring a GAL can be cost prohibited for many and the need may not be able to be met because of the financial situation.