Guardians ad Litem in the Housing Court Department

Information about Guardians ad Litem (GAL) in the Housing Court.

Apply to be a GAL

Beginning January 15, 2026, licensed attorneys, social workers, mental health professionals and psychologists are able to apply to be a GAL in the Housing Court. Interested applicants must submit a completed application to the Housing Court division where they would like to receive appointments which must include a current resume, listing relevant experience or training.

The following qualifications are required to serve as a Housing Court GAL:

1. Member of the bar in good standing OR an individual who holds a Massachusetts license in social work, counseling, or psychology.
2. A minimum of $100,000 in professional liability insurance.
3. At least 5 years professional experience in one or more of the following fields: 1) legal work; 2) housing services; 3) social work; 4) counseling; 5) psychology.
4. Completion of a training as designated by the Housing Court.

Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in-person to the Housing Court division of your choosing. If you would like to serve as a GAL in multiple Housing Court divisions, you must apply to each division. You only need to submit one application per division (either online or in person).

Online application

Use the Electronic Housing Court Guardian Ad Litem Application link to submit an electronic GAL application. Applications submitted online will be sent directly to the Housing Court division that is selected on the application.

Paper application

Download and complete the Housing Court Guardian Ad Litem Application form (PDF) to be submitted to the Clerk’s office at the Housing Court division where you are seeking appointments.