Clint Adams and attorney Leah Smith explain the role of a family court Guardian ad litem, an attorney appointed to represent a child’s best interest, in West Virginia. These attorneys are often appointed in cases of alleged child abuse, drug use, or domestic violence. They are tasked with investigating abuse by interviewing all relevant parties and records relevant to the child and offering their well-informed suggestion of where the court should place them. Although these opinions carry weight in the courts, the judge ultimately has final say in placing the child, so learn what your options are if you disagree with the opinion of the guardian ad litem. Clint and Leah also share tips for attorneys taking on the role of guardian ad litem.