We are pleased to announce that the long-anticipated second edition of The Guardian ad Litem’s Toolkit is finally available for sale through the SC Bar CLE Publication’s bookstore.

The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem’s Toolkit, Second Edition is a practical, easy-to-use reference for the attorney or lay Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in all private, contested custody cases within the Family Court. This Toolkit is modeled after the popular SC Family Lawyer’s Toolkit and was designed by an experienced and actively practicing Guardian ad Litem for use by anyone certified to serve as a GAL in private custody disputes.

With 19 individual tabs, 14 sample forms, 5 checklists/questionnaires, and sample questions for direct and cross-examinations, the Second Edition of this Toolkit serves as a case road map for the busy GAL and/or staff members. Users can easily adapt the templates and procedures found in the Toolkit for even the most complex custody cases.

The Toolkit also includes sample letters to send to parties at the outset of an appointment; the full text of all S.C. statutes which govern the appointment and investigation of a Guardian ad Litem; a sample HIPAA release to send to medical providers; various sample Motions and Orders; a Report format to make filing pleadings and required paperwork with the Court easier; checklists for a statutorily proper investigation; sample outlines and tips for interviewing children; suggested timelines to ensure the investigation stays on track; and, outlines and procedures for billing and collections to make sure the GAL is paid timely. The Second Edition also includes updated Recommended Reading and Technology resources for both GALs and family court litigants which users can adapt to use as resources for their own clients. 

Purchase of the book will come with a download of the book text.