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Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
What is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?
A Guardian ad Litem is an advocate for a child whose welfare is a matter of concern for the court. In legal terms, it means "guardian of the lawsuit." When the court is making decisions that will affect a child's future, the child needs and deserves a spokesperson -- an objective adult to provide independent information about the best interests of the child. While other parties in the case are concerned about the child, the Guardian ad Litem is the only person in the case whose sole concern is the best interests of the child and he or she is assigned as an advocate for the child for the durations of the court process.
Different from a legal guardian, the Guardian ad Litem has no control over the person or property of the child and does not provide a home for the child. The Guardian ad Litem does not function as the child's attorney and does not provide direct services to the child.
Guardians ad Litem in Minnesota include state employees, independent contractors, and volunteers.
Tenth Judicial District GAL Contacts:
Greg King, MSSW
GAL Manager
GAL Coordinator for Anoka County |
Tenth Judicial District Administration Office
7533 Sunwood Drive NW, Suite 306
Ramsey, MN 55303-5186
Phone: (763) 279-0153
Fax: (763) 279-0178
email: greg.king@courts.state.mn.us
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Dana Ahlness, MS
GAL Coordinator
Washington County |
Washington County Courthouse
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6305
Fax: (651) 430-6303
email: dana.ahlness@courts.state.mn.us
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Lu Gall, BA
GAL Coordinator
Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Pine Counties |
1700 East Rum River Drive South
Suite F
Cambridge, MN 55008
Phone: (763) 279-0326
Fax:
email: lu.gall@courts.state.mn.us
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Mary Pfeiffer, BA
Acting GAL Coordinator
Sherburne and Wright Counties |
Wright County Courthouse
10 2nd Street NW
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone: (763) 682-7556
Fax: (763) 682-7638
email: mary.pfeiffer@courts.state.mn.us
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Leslie Meyer
Screener/Collector
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Tenth Judicial District Administration Office
7533 Sunwood Drive NW, Suite 306
Ramsey, MN 55303-5186
Phone: (763) 279-0154
Fax: (763) 279-0178
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