Category E GAL Evaluator Standards: 11. The GAL Shall Retain any Materials Gathered or Created During the Evaluation

Section 11 of the Category E Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Evaluator Standards.

The GAL shall retain any notes, records, documents, taped recordings, videos, or other material gathered or created during the evaluation so that these materials are available for trial, discovery, appeal and remand of the case.

Commentary

Notes or other materials created or obtained by a GAL may be sought by a party through discovery. The GAL’s notes, written observations, or other materials created during interviews or telephone conversations should be descriptive, factual, and respectful in tone. Note taking should be objective and include quotations of witnesses and parties when possible.