Guardian ad Litem

North Dakota Guardian Ad Litem

Rule 8.7. Guardian ad litem. (a) Qualification. To qualify as a guardian ad litem under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-06.4, a person must be an attorney licensed in the state of North Dakota.(b) Training requirements. To be eligible for appointment as a guardian ad litem, an attorney must have completed 18 hours of guardian ad litem training. To remain eligible to be appointed as guardian ad litem, an individual shall complete an additional 18 hours of guardian ad litem-related training every 3 years.(c) Criteria for appointment. A guardian ad litem must be appointed if the court finds an appointment is necessary to protect the best interests of the child involved. In determining whether to appoint a guardian ad litem, the court shall consider among other factors:(1) whether there is an allegation of sexual abuse;(2) whether there is an allegation of domestic violence resulting in serious bodily injury or involving the use of a dangerous weapon;(3) whether there is an allegation of a pattern of domestic violence occurring within a reasonable time proximate to the proceeding resulting in a reasonable fear for the safety of a party or the minor child;(4) whether the child has special needs;(5) whether the child has, at any time, been placed in foster care, or in the home of a third party;(6) whether there is an allegation the child is in an unstable environment;(7) whether there has been repeated post-decree litigation involving custody or visitation issues;(8) whether the interests of the child and either or both parents are in substantial conflict;(9) whether a guardian ad litem could provide the court with significant information not otherwise available or likely to be presented by the parents; and(10) whether there are any other areas of special concern which may impact the best interests of the child.(d) Responsibilities of guardian ad litem.(1) A guardian ad litem shall advocate the best interests of the child as to legal custody, physical placement, visitation, and support. A guardian ad litem shall function independently, in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, and, consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct, shall consider, but not be bound by, the wishes of the child or others as to the best interests of the child.(2) After appointment, a guardian ad litem shall:(A) work with a custody investigator, if appointed, to coordinate investigation activities and avoid duplicating services;(B) interview and observe the child to ascertain the facts relevant to custody, the child's wishes, the need for independent evaluation, and the need for and appropriateness of interim judicial relief;(C) advise the child and the child's parents of the role and responsibilities of the guardian ad litem;(D) interview potential witnesses, lay and expert, with relevant knowledge of the child or parties; and(E) participate in meetings impacting the life of the child, including permanency planning meetings and other activities as may be directed by the court.(3) A guardian ad litem may apply for a court order to protect the child, to obtain temporary relief, to determine custody, or to determine visitation.(4) A guardian ad litem shall participate whenever any party requires an interim court order which may affect the child.(5) A guardian ad litem may request an independent court-ordered evaluation or study, including a custody investigation.(6) A guardian ad litem shall participate in all pretrial procedures and negotiations and endeavor to resolve the case without the need for a trial.(7) A guardian ad litem shall observe all statutes, rules, and regulations concerning confidentiality. A guardian ad litem may not disclose or participate in the disclosure of information to any person who is not a party to the case, except as necessary to perform the guardian ad litem duties or as may be specifically provided by law.(e) Court proceedings. A guardian ad litem may present a case, cross-examine a witness, deliver a summation, prepare a memorandum of law, file a motion, and file or participate in an appeal on issues involving the best interests of the child.

§ 14-07.1-05.1. Appointment of guardian ad litem for minor

· The court, upon the request of either party or upon its own motion, may appoint a guardian ad litem in an action for a protection order to represent a minor concerning custody, support, or visitation if either party or the court has reason for special concern as to the immediate future of the minor. The guardian ad litem may be appointed at the time of a temporary protection order or at any time before the full hearing. The role of the guardian ad litem consists of investigation and making a recommendation and report to the court. At no time may the involvement of the guardian ad litem alter the requirements set forth in section 14-07.1-03. The appointment of the guardian ad litem expires immediately after the full hearing unless the court retains the right, upon specific finding of need, to continue the appointment of a guardian ad litem to participate in visitation. The guardian ad litem shall have access to records before the court except as otherwise provided by law. The court may direct either or both parties to pay the guardian ad litem fees established by the court. If neither party is able to pay the fees, the court, after notice to the state's attorney of the county of venue, may direct the fees to be paid, in whole or in part, by the county of venue. The court may direct either or both parties to reimburse the county, in whole or in part, for the payment.

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